ummtaalib

Ramadhaan and the Tilaa-wah of the Qur’aan & Other Advices for Ramadhaan taken from "Faza'il-e-Ramadhan" by Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Zakariyya Kanadhalvi (Rahimullah Ta'ala)] The reason for mentioning the manner in which these saintly ones spent their Ramadhaan is not that we may just read without deriving any benefit or pass a casual remark. It is written with the object that we in our way may build up courage and to the best of our ability endeavor to copy and follow their noble examples. Every pious elders programme had its particular specialty. How wonderful would it be if those who are not forced by worldly necessities try their utmost to mend their religious life in this one month after having allowed eleven months of the year go by to destroy themselves. As for those who have to be in their offices and be present at eight, nine or ten in the morning, what difficulty will it be for them if they at least in Ramadhaan, spend the time from Fajr until their hours of employment in reciting the Qur’aan. After all our worldly needs we do find time in spite of office hours. For those engaged in farming, who normally are not bound to others nothing prevents them from reciting the Qur’aan on their farm or adjusting their daily routine. Then come the businessmen, shopkeepers and merchants. Nothing prevents them in Ramadhaan from reciting their Qur’aan during their shop hours or cutting short trading time in order to make time for recitation thereof. After all there is very strong link between Ramadhaan and the Tilaa-wah of the Qur’aan. Almost all Allah’s great scriptures were revealed in this month. Similarly, in this month the Qur’aan was brought down from the Lowhul Mahfoozh to the Samaa’ud Dunyaa, from where it was revealed bit by bit to Rasulullah (SAW) in a span of twenty three years. Nabi Ibrahim (A.S.) received his scriptures on the first and third of this sacred month. Nabi Dawood (A.S.) received the Zaboor on the twelfth or eighteenth. Nabi Moosa (A.S.) received his Towrah on the sixth. Nabi Essa (A.S.) received the Injeel on the twelfth or thirteenth. From this we note the great connection between the divine scriptures and the month of Ramadhaan. For this reason, as much ti-laawah of the Qur’aan as possible should be made during this month. Such was the habit of our saints. Jibraeel (A.S.) used to recite the whole Qur’aan to our Nabi Muhammad (SAW) in the month of Ramadhaan. In some reports it is stated that Rasulullah (SAW) used to recite and he (Jibraeel) used to listen. From joining these reports the ‘ulama have said that it is mustahab to read the Qur’aan in such a manner that while one recites the other listens. Thereafter another recites while others listen. So recite the Qur’aan as much as possible. Whatever time remains thereafter should not be wasted. Rasulullah (SAW) drew our attention to four more things and advised that we should practice them as much as possible. They are the recitation of Kalimah ‘Tayyibah, Istighfaar, begging for Jannah and seeking refuge from Ja-hannam. Therefore it must be regarded an honour to spend as much as available in these recitations. This will be the true appreciation of the teachings of Rasulullah (SAW). What is so difficult about keeping the tongue busy with the recitation of Durood (‘salawaat) or Laa ilaaha illallaah while being engaged in our daily tasks? In the same Hadith Rasulullah (SAW) said a few more things, Ramadhaan is the month of patience. Hence even if great difficulty is experienced in fasting one should bear it with patience. One should not complain as people are fond of doing during hot days. If by chance sehri is missed then lamentations begin early in the day. Similarly, should difficulty be experienced at the same time of Taraweeh, it too should be borne with patience. Do not consider it a great calamity or trial, otherwise these deeds may be void of blessings. When we turn our backs on worldly things, forsake our very eating and drinking, then in the face of Allah’s pleasure what are these difficulties? Source

Bi Safiyyah – Mother of Maulana Ilyas Dehlvi Bi Saffiyah was an excellent reciter and memoriser of the Holy Qur’an. She had memorised the Holy Book during her son Yahya’s suckling and she had a command on memory that few could stand to contest. She had the habit of going through the Qur’an Al-Majid once daily during the month of Ramadan and thus would complete 30 repititions of the Noble Book. It was also her practice to perform the household duties and the recitation simultaneously. Her daily practice other than Ramadan was that she would recite: Durood shareef 5000 times Ism Dhat (One of Allahs names chosen on the virtue of its meaning) 5000 times بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم (in the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful) 900 times يا مغنى (O Enricher, Provider to His slaves) 1100 tiimes استغفار (I beg Thine pardon, Mighty Lord) 500 times حسبى الله ونعم الوكيل (Allah sufficeth me! Most excellent is He in whom we trust) 500 times سبحان الله (Glory be to Allah) 200 times الحمد للله (Praise be to Allah) 200 times لااله الا الله (There is no God but Allah) 200 times الله اكبر (Allah is the Greatest) 200 times افوض امر الى الله (I confide my cause unto Allah) 100 times حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل (Allah is sufficient for us, Most excellent is He in whom we trust) 100 times رب انى مغلوب فانتصر (My Lord, I am vanquished, so give me help) 100 times رب انى مسنى الضر وانت ارحم الراحمين (My Lord, Lo adversity afficeth me, and thou are Most Merciful of all who show mercy) 100 times لااله الا انت سبحنك انى كنت من الظلمين (There is no God save Thee, Be Thou Glorified! Lo! I have been a wrong doer) 100 times and, moreover she would recite some part of the Holy Qur’an. Source: Leading Ladies, who made a difference in the lives of others Subhanallah such an amazing example of a Pious Woman from Modern history, not only did she engage in Dhikr of Allah, but she would also fulfill her household chores and reared her children with an islamic upbringing. May Allah give us the ability to tread in the footsteps of our pious predecessors, generate the love of Allah in our hearts, obtain nearness to our Lord and live our lives in accoradance to the Shariah. Ameen HaqqIslam

Being deprived of the blessings of Ramadhaan An important passage from the Book – Tohfa Mah e Ramzan by Shaikh ul Arab wal Ajam, Arif Billah Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (db). There are 2 major spiritual diseases which restrict us from the Blessings of Ramazan 1. Evil Glances (Badnazri) 2. Backbiting (Gheebat) May Allah Ta’ala save whole muslim nation from all such diseases

1. As far as possible, there should be at least two people together when undertaking any journey. Travelling alone should be avoided. However, in extreme necessity there is no harm. ( Fathul-Baari-Vol- 6,pg. 53) 2. When one has placed one’s foot in the stirrup of one’s conveyance and is about to mount it, one should say ( ). (Tirmidhi) 3. After settling down on the conveyance say: () thrice and thereafter recite the following dua: (Muslim , Tirmidhi) Trans: Glory be to the one who has subjugated this for us whereas we were not able to subjugate it on our own. And we will certainly be returning to our Lord. 4. Thereafter recite the following dua: (Muslim , Hisne Haseen) Trans: O Allah make this journey easy for us and shorten the length of the journey as well. O Allah, You are our companion on this journey and the Protector of our household. O Allah, I seek Your protection from the hardship of travel, from witnessing a terrible sight and from finding an evil condition having befallen my family, wealth and children upon my return. 5. When the need arises to stop along the way, the Sunnat is to move to the side of the road. Do not camp in the middle of the road whereby the paths of others are blocked and they experience inconvenience thereby. (Muslim- Vol.2, pg.144) 6. When ascending any high place one should say (Bukhari- pg. 420) 7. When descending to any place, one should say (Bukhari) 8. Note: It is mentioned in Mirqaat that this is a Sunnat of travelling. However, when one is ascending the stairs of his house or Masjid, then he should begin with his right foot and say even though it is only one stair. At the time of descending, begin with the left leg and recite although it is only a small decline. There is hope that one will recieve the reward of practising on a Sunnat. Mulla Ali Qari () has mentioned the wisdom in saying at the time of ascension, that although apperently we are going higher but O Allah ! we are not high. Highness and greatness are only for you. While descending, a person says because we are low and O Allah! You are free from lowness. 9. When the town of one’s destination comes into view, then recite this dua: Trans: O Allah, grant us barakah (blessings) from this town. When entering the town recite this dua. Trans: O Allah, grant us sustenance of this place. Make us beloved to the people of this place and make the pious people of this place beloved to us. 10. Rasullulah () has mentioned that when the purpose for which one had undertaken the journey has been accomplished, one should return home immediately. It is not advisable to remain on a journey for no reason. (Bukhari-pg.421) 11. When returning after many days from a lengthy journey, and one arrives home when a great portion of the night has passed, then he should not immediately enter his home. Rather it is better to go the next morning. (Mishkaat, pg.339) 12. If the family is aware of your late arrival and is expecting you, then there is no harm in going home immediately. (Mirkaat- Vol.7,pg.338 ) 13. By practising these Sunnats one will recieve the benefits in this world and the Hereafter. 14. It is forbidden to take a dog along on the journey or to keep bells, since Shaytaan follows such a person and the blessings of the journey are lost.(Muslim- Vol.1, pg.202) 15. Upon returning from a journey, it is Sunnat to first go to the Masjid, perform two raakats of Salaah and thereafter enter the home. (Mishkaat) 16. When returning from a journey recite this dua: (Muslim,Tirmidhi) Trans: “We are returning (home) with repentence, utmost humility and praising our Lord.” Source: Beautiful Sunnah of Beloved Nabi (saw) | Urdu: Pyare Nabi (saw) ki pyari sunnatain

Excerpt from: What is the Reality of Tasawwuf By: Shaikh ul Arab wal Ajam Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (ra) Just this morning, Allah Ta’ala inspired my heart with an incredible topic that, ‘who is the true mureed?’ The true mureed is the one whose muraad (aim and objective) is Allah Ta’ala. Now, who is the true Shaikh? The true Shaikh is the one who guides his mureed to his desired objective. He supplicates to Allah Ta’ala and cries from the depths of his heart on his behalf. This is true TASAWWUF. Therefore, the true mureed is the one whose muraad (objective) is the Being of Allah Ta’ala. This verse of the Qur’aan Shareef: (They desire Him) declares that the real objective of the true lovers of Allah Ta’ala is the Being of Allah Ta’ala. Thus, every mureed should take stock of himself in the light of this verse whether he is a true mureed or not? If our muraad is truly the Being of Allah Ta’ala then we will never look at ghairullah. As for that mureed who casts evil glances, and looks at ghairullah, then know that his intention is still deficient and he is still not fully matured. The kabab of his Nisbah is still raw. Whomsoever eats raw kabab will be tasteless and others who associate with him will also remain without taste. It is not possible that a true Allah-Wala has the love of the world and ghairullah in his heart. The question now arises as to who is a true Allah-Wala? The true Allah-Wala is the one who makes every possible effort to attain Allah Ta’ala and exerts himself in guiding his mureeds so that they may attain the same. He should not be treading the path alone because the guide who treads the path alone and overlooks his mureeds is not a complete guide. On the other hand, a complete guide is the one who treads the path of Allah Ta’ala himself and is also considerate of those traveling with him. He continuously says to himself, ‘let it not be that they have lost their way.’ Thus, the true guide is the one who travels while keeping his companions also in mind. So have you now understood what true peeri-mureedi is? That peeri-mureedi relationship which has become so commonly misunderstood is due to fake peers who, for the sake of mere worldly gain, teach a few wazifas to their mureeds but do not teach them how to live a life of piety. The mureeds of such peers always remain like raw kababs their whole life. On the other hand, there are other peers who are genuine Auliya. They continue to guide their mureeds on to the path of Allah with sincerity and heart-felt pain. However, it may also be that some of their mureeds do not pay heed to the advice of their Shaikh. Thus they remain raw and deficient their entire life as well. This is their condition because he who flees from undergoing hardships and does not tolerate the pain of safeguarding his eyes and abstaining from sins, and he who does not undergo the grief of fighting his unlawful desires, then he is, in fact, prepared to bear the grief of separation from Allah Ta’ala. Such a person will always remain raw and deficient. Neither will he attain the enjoyment of life nor will anyone else become intoxicated by his fragrance. Understand this properly! He who does not bear the pain of the path of Allah Ta’ala, will never attain Allah Ta’ala! In order for us to be able to tolerate such pain, Allah Ta’ala has revealed La Ilaaha before Illallah . In this way He is indicating that we must bear the grief of abstaining from ghairullah; only then will we attain nothing except Allah. Concerning this I have composed a couplet: La Ilaaha comes first in the Kalimah of Unity, When all besides HAQ vanishes, then only does HAQ come. Ghairullah will destroy you, and you will attain nothing from them. What will these temporary beauties give you? When they do not posses any power over their own safety and well being then how can they guarantee safety and well-being for you? Leaving Allah for ghairullah is the height of foolishness. For how long will you continue with such nonsense? After all, there must be a limit. When beauty fades away, then you choose to flee from it but for how long will you continue to flee in this manner? Why did you not flee from that which you were commanded to flee at the very moment that you were commanded to do so? This is the meaning of ‘’. It is to flee from ghairullah, including all acts of disobedience, towards Allah. Khanqah.org

By Abdur Rahmaan Umar “Am I ready? You really asking me... am I ready!” exclaimed Farida, her boisterous voice filling the kitchen. She hastily dusted her hands on her well-worn apron, scattering little foggy clouds of flour around her and grabbed Aneesa’s wrist, her plump hand going almost twice around the young girls’ wrist. “Come, come! Let me show you how ready I am,” she boomed, half dragging the delicate Aneesa out of the kitchen in to what was once a balcony now converted to accommodate two large freezers. Farida triumphantly opened the doors to a freezer stacked with plastic containers, all neatly labeled. “See, my child, I am so ready. There we go – samoosas… chicken, mutton, vegetable, jalapeno and even tuna samoosas. And then, I have kebabs, spring-rolls and moons….vegetable and potato cutlets…pies of every kind. This time I’m ready!” She ceremoniously closed the doors of the freezers, puzzled by the unimpressed look on Aneesa’s face. “Er…aunty,” began Aneesa feebly, rubbing her wrist, “That’s not what I meant…” “I know,” said Farida, who reached out for Aneesa’s wrists, but they were cautiously tucked away behind her back, “You want to see what else I got…..” “Come, come,” she said, rushing back into the kitchen to the corner where another tall freezer hummed noisily. Whipping open the doors, she announced, “Chicken corn soup, vegetable soup, haleem (soup), pizzas, marinated chicken fillets …..you name it my darling, and I have it all ready” Farida didn’t hear her niece’s protestations about that’s not what she meant, she continued: “You remember that dua you taught me…remember?” Aneesa shook her head in silent defeat. “Allahuma baarik lana fi Rajab, wa Shabaan,wa balligna Ramadaan(Oh Allah bless in Rajab and Sha’baan and allow to reach Ramadaan), see I know it so well. I recited it all the time and Allah Ta'ala gave me sooo much Barakah (Blrssings),” she said, stretching her chubby arms out wide, “and I got all this done.” “Last year was just too terrible,” Farida lamented, tucking a few stray greying strands of hair under her scarf, “In the last ten days of Ramadaan we were out of samoosas and chicken pies, and my poor Yusuf had to do without his favourites. But not this year! This time I’m so ready for Ramadaan.” Exasperated Aneesa held her aunt’s hefty hand in both her palms and said firmly, “No, no aunty….that’s not what I meant!” Farida looked at her baffled and confused. Scratching her head she whispered, “Then what? What else is there to be ready for Ramadaan?” “Yourself!” exclaimed Aneesa. “Yourself? Myself? How do I prepare myself for Ramadaan?” “Have you thought about how much Qur’an would you read each day, or how much time will you spend making dua, or how will you plan your days?” Aneesa asked. Farida looked at her sheepishly and popped a freshly fried Bhajia(chilli bite) into her mouth, “No, not really…I’m so busy with all this that I don’t even have time to think about that.” “This is the real preparation of Ramadaan!” Aneesa explained. “Last week Sheikh Hamaad was explaining that The Messenger of Allah( Peace be upon him) would increase his efforts before Ramadaan. He would fast more. Saayidah Aisha (RA) said she never witnessed him fasting as much as he did in Shabaan in preparation for the month of Ramadaan and Sheikh quoted a hadith of Umme Salamah (RA) : That she did not see The Messenger of Allah( Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam) Fasting two consecutive months except for Sha'ban and Ramadan." Farida diverted her attention only to dip another bhajia into the red chilli sauce and pop it into her mouth. Aneesa looked at the flowery plaque on the wall that read “Never trust a thin cook” and suppressed a smile. “Sheikh explained just how valuable this month is,” continued Aneesa gently pushing away the plate of tantalizingly hot bhajias, “That an obligatory or Fardh act in the month of Ramadaan has the reward of seventy such acts and a Nafl (Voluntary)act to gain closeness to Allah Ta'ala will get the reward of an obligatory, Fardh, act. So there’s no time to waste in this month. He explained we have to make the best of every moment of this precious month” “Eat, child!” said Farida, pushing the plate close to Aneesa, “You’re so thin.” Aneesa eyed the bhajias and continued, “He even told us how the pious people would spend their Ramadaan. He gave us so many examples but I only remember the on about Sheikh Abdur Rahim (rahmatullahi alaihi), who would spend his entire day in the recitation of Quran, he would not even meet anyone and even reduced his meals to the bare minimum to save time in the month of Ramadaan. And about Imaam Shafie(rahmatullahi alaihi) who would complete a Quran every day and every night during this month, plus the one he would read in the Taraweeh salaah completing 61 Qurans for the month.” Farida let out a silent whistle, “That’s a lot. But…what am I to do. I have to see to the boys, and we usually have so many visitors in Ramadaan.” “Just plan yourself,” advised Aneesa, “You have prepared all this foodstuff so you can steal a little time to read a little Quran every morning, and when you get up for Sehri(pre dawn meal), then get up half an hour earlier and read Tahajjud Salaah(late night prayer) – because duas at Tahajjud time are certainly accepted. And while you are busy in the kitchen then read Durood(send blessings) on The Messenger of Allah( Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam). And before Magrib Salaah (prayer after sunset)…” “But that’s the time I’m busy frying all the savouries and warming the food, and…” protested Farida. “Just a few minutes before you break your fast, even five, sit down and make dua (pray) asking Allah Ta'ala for all your needs because Allah Ta'ala does not reject the dua of a fasting person at the time of breaking fast. If you plan yourself, you can achieve so much – you planned, and worked hard, and you managed to pack three freezers full of food – so you can do so much in Ramadaan if you plan your time.” Farida smiled broadly, looking at the freezers that bore testimony to her hard work. “Just think if you read just five pages of Quran after every salaah you will complete the whole Quran in the month.” Farida shook her head in disbelief, “That’s all?” “Yup, that’s all it takes,” replied Aneesa. “You’re a special girl, now eat something, or let me make you some tea?” looking at her niece intently, “You’re so thin and we still have to find you a husband.” Aneesa laughed, “Thanks aunty, but I’m fasting” EISLAM

wa'alauykumus salaam ww You mean its the law? if so, its sad to hear: an un islamic law in an Islamic country

The Dead Need Support…Not Those Who Are Alive – A Conversation between Maulana Umar Palanpuri and a Christian priest in South Africa. Paraphrasing an anecdote from the life of a great scholar of the past century connected with the work of the Prophets, Maulana Umar Palanpuri (may Allah be pleased with him). This incident was related to us by Maulana Zain ul Aabideen (damath baraka tuhum) of Shah Waliullah Madrasah, India. The first jama’t that went to South Africa landed at the airport and offered their Salah (prayers) in congregation right in the airport, this was something amazing, a view the locals and the travelers hadn’t seen before, just seeing this manzar (view) made several hundred people present there accept Islam. But not all were happy. A Christian priest present there and witness to all the happenings came over to meet the jama’t and spoke to Maulana Umar Palanpuri (may Allah be pleased with him) who was present in that jama’t and asked: “How is it that we (referring to the Christian missionaries) offer people jobs, wealth, women etc to convert to Christianity while you don’t do anything of that sort and yet people flock to you…??” Maulana Umar Palanpuri (may Allah rabbul izzat grant him jannat ul Firdaus) replied: “The dead need support not those who are alive!” “Your religion, Christianity, is a dead religion and so you need those things to carry it, to sustain it, to spread it, but not Islam, because Islam is alive and it DOES NOT need such things for it to spread, for people to see its beauty, for people to see the truth in it and for people to revert to Islam!” theijtema.com

The 1400 Year History of Taraweeh Salaah Amongst the special Ibaadah of the month of Ramadhaan are the fasts and the Taraweeh salaah. The information below will be dedicated to the history of the number of Rakaahs of Taraweeh that have always been performed in the two holy Harams. The Taraweeh Salaah During the Time of Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Saheeh Muslim reports a hadith from Hadhrat Aaisha (رضى الله عنها) that when (during Ramadhaan) Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) once performed the Taraweeh salaah in the Masjidun Nabawi, the Sahabah رضى الله تعالى عنهم followed him in the salaah. When Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) again performed the salaah the following night, an even larger congregation followed him. It was then either on the third or fourth night that Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) did not come to the Masjid for the Taraweeh salaah. Explaining his reason the following morning, Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said to the Sahabah رضى الله تعالى عنهم, “I noticed your fervour and did not come to the Masjid to perform the Salaah fearing that this Taraweeh salaah should become compulsory for you.” 1 It is therefore evident that Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) performed the Taraweeh salaah in congregation at least twice or thrice in his lifetime. Imaam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمة الله and Allaama Showkaani رحمة الله have both mentioned that a study of Ahadeeth regarding Taraweeh reveals that Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) never specified the number of rakaahs for Taraweeh. During the Period of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (رضى الله تعالى عنه) During this period, the Sahabah رضى الله تعالى عنهم meticulously performed the Taraweeh salaah individually or in small congregations. During the Period of Hadhrat Umar (رضى الله تعالى عنه) During his Khilaafah, the second Khalifah Hadhrat Umar Faarooq (رضى الله تعالى عنه) combined all the small congregations into one because of the possibility of the Taraweeh salaah becoming Fardh no longer existed. With the approval of all the Sahabah رضى الله تعالى عنهم, twenty rakaahs Taraweeh salaah was performed every night of Ramadhaan after the Isha salaah, followed by three Rakaahs Witr salaah. 2 There are many people nowadays who perform the Taraweeh salaah with Jamaah throughout Ramadhaan because it was carried out during the time of hadrat Umar (رضى الله تعالى عنه) with the consent of all the Sahabah رضى الله تعالى عنهم. However, these people object to the number of Rakaahs. If they keep the following Hadith in mind, their objection will Inshaa Allah be removed. Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “I advise you fear Allah, to listen and to obey (your leaders) even though your leader be an Abyssinian slave because those of you who live after me shall see great disputes. It is therefore compulsory for you to adhere to my practices and to the practice of the righteous and rightly guided successors (Khulafaa Raashideen). Hold fast to these practices and bite on them with your molars.” 3 In this Hadith Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has emphasised to his Ummah that it is imperative for them to emulate his practices as well as the practices of the Khulafaa Raashideen. When Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has instructed the following of the practices of his Khulafaa, how can their practices be labelled as Bidah? How can one promote forsaking something that Rasulullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) empathetically wanted done? How can there be scope to oppose something that the Sahabah رضى الله تعالى عنهم unanimously agreed upon? This practice of the righteous Khalifah Hadhrat Umar (رضى الله تعالى عنه) falls perfectly within the purport of this Hadith. Therefore one should perform twenty Rakaahs Taraweeh salaah in congregation every night of Ramadhaan after the Isha salaah. This is then followed by three Rakaahs of Witr salaah. During the period of Hadhrat Uthmaan (رضى الله تعالى عنه) The third righteous khalifah Hadhrat Uthmaan (رضى الله تعالى عنه) also continued the practice of twenty Rakaahs Taraweeh salaah in congregation, followed by the three Rakaahs of Witr salaah. 4 During the period of Hadhrat Ali (رضى الله تعالى عنه) The fourth righteous khalifah Hadhrat Ali (رضى الله تعالى عنه) also continued the practice of twenty Rakaahs Taraweeh salaah in congregation, followed by the three Rakaahs of Witr salaah. 5 The Taraweeh salaah in the Masjid Haraam in Makkah The famous book of Ahadeeth Jaami Tirmidhi states that according to the majority of scholars, the number of Rakaahs in the Taraweeh salaah is twenty, as reported from Hadhrat Umar رضى الله تعالى عنه, Hadhrat Ali رضى الله تعالى عنه and other Sahabah رضى الله تعالى عنهم. This is also the opinion of Hadhrat Sufyan Thowri رحمة الله and Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mubaarak رحمة الله. Hadhrat Imaam Shafiee رحمة الله says, “I have seen the learned scholars of Makkah perform twenty Rakaahs of Taraweeh salaah.” 6 In his famous book Kitaabul Umm (vol 1 page 142), Imaam Shaafiee رحمة الله says that twenty Rakaahs Taraweeh salaah is reported from Hadhrat Umar رضى الله تعالى عنه and the learned scholars of Makkah also perform twenty Rakaahs Taraweeh with three Rakaahs Witr. In the third century A.H., the famous historian of Makkah Muhammad bin Ishaaq Faakihi documented that during the month of Ramadhaan it was the practice of the people of Makkah to sit five periods of Taraweeh (rest periods between every four Rakaahs of the Taraweeh salaah. This denotes that they performed twenty Rakaahs of salaah.) 7 It is therefore evident twenty Rakaahs of Taraweeh salaah has been performed in the Masjid Haraam of Makkah for the past fourteen hundred years. Throughout, this period, there has never been a single night when only Rakaahs have been performed. Taraweeh salaah in the Masjidun Nabawi صلى الله عليه وسلم The renowned Saudi scholar and Mufassir Sheikh Atiyya Saalim رحمة الله who was a Sheikhul Hadeeth, judge and lecturer in the Masjidun Nabawi صلى الله عليه وسلم wrote a book in Arabic entitled “The history of the Taraweeh salaah in the Masjidun Nabawi صلى الله عليه وسلم for more than a thousand years.” In this book[8], he conclusively proves from historical evidence that twenty Rakaahs Taraweeh salaah has been performed in the Masjidun Nabawi صلى الله عليه وسلم for the past fourteen centuries. He adds further that even after the establishment of the Saudi rule, both the Harams in Makkah and Madinah have twenty Rakaahs of Taraweeh salaah with three witr. 9 The heart-rending and beautiful Taraweeh salaah in both the Harams is broadcast live throughout both on radio and television. A fourteen century old practiceTwenty Rakaahs Taraweeh salaah is being performed from the first century of Islaam up to this fifteenth century. Source: The Historyof Makkah Mukarramah by Dr Muhammad Ilyas Abdul Ghani References 1 – Muslim – The Chapter concerning encouragement for performing the Taraweeh salaah. 2 – Mu’atta Maalik, as quoted in Nasbur Ra’yah 3 – Tirmidhi – Hadith 6272. The hadith is classified Hasan Saheeh and even Albaani has verified its authenticity [see Mishkaat annotated by him (Vol. 1 pg. 28)] 4 – Sunan Kubra of Bayhaqi – Chapter concerning the number of Rakaahs during the nights of Ramadhaan. 5 – Sunan Kubra of Bayhaqi – Chapter concerning the number of Rakaahs during the nights of Ramadhaan. 6 – Tirmidhi 7 – Akhbaar Makkah by Faakihi (Vol.2 Pg. 156,157) 8 – Pgs. 41-58 9 – Pg 65 haqislam.org

Pakistani takes four wives for Haj to fulfil dowry pledge Quite inspiring I thought..... Al-Twairiqi Okaz/Saudi Gazette MINA – “Half of their dowries was memorizing the Holy Qur’an and the other half was taking them to the holy land,” said Mir Hussein, a Pakistani national, about his four wives who performed Haj with him. Hussein is known among his folk for his beautiful Qur’an recitation to the extent that many of the town’s residents wish to marry their daughters to him. Hussein, who hails from a remote Pakistani town, married his first wife Zainab, who is also his cousin, when he memorized the Holy Qur’an at the age of 15. She was his uncle’s gift to him. He married Hafsa, his second wife, for a dowry of several rupees and a promise to take her for Haj. He gave the same promise to the brother of his third wife, Zulaikha, when he married her. As to Sajidah, his fourth wife, he married her after he led Isha prayers in one of the mosques while visiting another Pakistani town for some personal work. Hussein was reciting some verses of the Holy Qur’an. When he completed his recitation an old man came close to him and sat down. He praised Hussein’s melodious recitation. The old man was so impressed that he held Hussein’s hands and offered him his daughter in marriage provided he taught her the Qur’an, even after learning from their conversation that Hussein already had three wives and 15 sons and daughters from them. While marrying Sajidah, who is 12 years younger than him, Hussein promised her that her dowry would be a copy of the Holy Qur’an from “the land of the two holy mosques”, apart from a pilgrimage. They have been blessed with five sons. Hussein said he came to Haj accompanied by his four wives to fulfill his promise and pay off his dowry commitments.

The Queen Islam has considered and appreciated the differences between men and women and has therefore honoured women with a role that is suitable to them. The West has insulted women in trying to transform them into men. How can a butter knife do the job of a chain saw? Women have been deceived with slogans of freedom and equality. In reality they have been forced into slavery and oppression. The world offers slogans of lies whereas Islam delivers goods in reality.

Allah, The Most Exalted says: "So hasten towards all that is good". (Qur’aan- 2:148) Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: There came a man to the Prophet (peace be upon Him) and said, "O Messenger of Allah, which charity is the most rewardable?" He (pbuh) said, "That you should give charity (in a state when you are) healthy and stingy and fear poverty, hoping to become rich (charity in such a state of health and mind is the best). And you must not defer (charity to such a length) that you are about to die and would be saying: 'This is for so-and-so, and this for so-and-so.' Lo! It has already come into (the possession of) so-and-so". (Hadith: Bukhari and Muslim)

Shaykh Abdul Hamid Ishaq (Damat Barakatuhum) states in his pamphlet 'Status of Women': FREEDOM OR SLAVERY? Let us just scratch the surface and peep to analyse these claims. With regard to the freedom of women a non-Muslim white Australian woman was employed in a Muslim School of necessity but with the condition of wearing a cloak and even veiling her face. She complied and when asked after some time how she felt in this garb, since their lifestyle is one of semi-nudity, her spontaneous reply is an eye opener to reality. She said Islamic life-style has given me freedom from western slavery. In their culture a person is enslaved to wearing a certain colour of shoes to match the dress. Then the nail polish, lipstick, blush etc. all have to match as well. In Islam simplicity is the rule and by donning the cloak there is no need for this matching culture. HYGIENE On the other hand Islam has taught basic hygiene and cleanliness, A medical doctor writes in a medical journal that the west is 1400 years behind the east in basic toilet hygiene. He says in the west toilet paper is used to polish oneself with the excreta while in the east clean water is used to cleanse oneself. Moulana Thanwi said that with that filth they get into a tub to ‘bath.’ However they pollute all that water with that filth, some of it even enters the mouth in the process. In many cases a number of people use the same tub of water - all adding to the pollution and delighting in its drinking, however little. A famous resort’s swimming pool was tested for urine which showed it contained 60% urine just kept sparkling with chemicals! What filth! O Muslims, are we going to opt for such a lifestyle? FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE? With regard to financial independence, if it is worked out what a woman earns and in order to go out and work what her wardrobe costs her, her travelling and keeping a maid to do her house duties amongst other things, in most cases there will be no gain but rather a deficit! Of course there can be no monetary figures that can be put on the moral social, religious and feminine losses when a woman leaves her natural precincts and opts to work in an alien place to her exclusive biological, moral, social and religious build-up. From a psychological point of view a woman is not meant to go out and work. When she does, she has to impress her bosses/superiors with her job. To achieve this she has to give off more than she has for which she has to draw on her reserves. Consequently when she returns home she is totally exhausted and dehydrated, her children run up to her seeking love from “mummy” but what can a tired working woman offer them. She gets irritated, pushes the one out of the room, slaps the other into silence and sprawls onto the bed. The husband returns, also tired and hungry and a hungry man is an angry man. Two negatives meet and the natural result is a dispute. An Islamic lifestyle is a balanced one, the husband returns to a ready meal and a fresh family awaiting him. When a woman has drawn on all her resources and is totally exhausted, she takes some panados to release her tension. When this does not work, she has to get medication from a doctor which is nothing else but ‘legal drugs.’ This in turn takes its full toll on her with all its side-effects and now the last resort and the best scape-goat - Jadu (magic), the Aamils now come into action with their roaring fraudulent business robbing us of our Imaan, money and our women’s sanctity. They solve no ‘problems’ but create bitter hatred, enmity, suspicion, false accusations, etc. in closely knitted family circles. Our biggest Jadu is the Shaytaan box. its grandmother: the video and the western life style, With these Haraam weeds in our lives we can never expect the roses of Islam to grow. Even if we send our most pious person to the Ka’aba to make Dua that we have planted weeds and that Allah must let roses grow, it is against the Sunnat of Allah! It does not happen! A person came to Marhoom Hafiz Salloo Saheb of Germiston and said, “I am sending my daughter to university and you know of the evil environment there. So please make Dua that Allah must safeguard her from all that evil.” Hafiz Saheb remarked,“What you are telling me is that you want to send your daughter in the rain and I must make Dua that she must not get wet!” INTERMINGLING OF SEXES As far as the intermingling of sexes is concerned, let some statistics of the USA suffice to show what results this produced: 54 million abortions a year of which they say 20 million were illegal meaning thereby that 34 million were legal! When Islam commands the taking of a life for a crime committed, it is barbaric. When millions of innocent infants are killed in the most savage way, it is medical advancement, culture and civilisation. (O Allah, in which world are we living?) Islam’s law of justice guarantees every citizen safety and protection. For practical results look at Makkah and Madina. Their western universities teach filthy lies in law, psychology etc. which forces innocent people to live in the prisons of their homes with burglar bars while the crooks roam the streets freely. Even our Masjids have to have burglar bars and be locked. Little girls are gang-raped and the beasts are let loose on petty bail, which they skip also. Furthermore, look at the statistics! One million young girls become pregnant in one year of which one third go for abortions - thirteen thousand under the age of fifteen. The single major factor which causes girls to drop out of schools is pregnancies. A woman confesses that 90% of girls are first ‘used’ by their own fathers, the majority of them before reaching the age of 6. She herself was ‘used’ by her father at the age of 5. M.H. Jamaluddin writes that the only reason for bringing out women into the male dominated modem merry-go-round (the commercial world) is to satisfy the lust of men. A Muslim woman writes in the Lenasia Times how her Muslim boss “trapped” her and broke up her marriage. An air hostess of PIA confesses that their supervisors demand sex favours for promotions. The unwritten law of this evil merry go-round is: no sex no employment, no sex no promotion. He further states that women are mere flower pots and door mats of this merry-go-round. Modern women are humiliated, enslaved, dehydrated & dehumanised. When this princess or queen leaves the palace of the father or husband and goes into the vicious outside world, she is like a sheep that enters the den of the wolves who pounce on her naivety and unawareness. It is narrated in a Hadith that when a woman steps out of her fort, Shaytaan is waiting in ambush for her. It is also narrated that when she emerges, shaytaan beautifies her in the eyes of other men and she becomes the cause of driving a wedge between husband and wife. The open result of this western, liberated way of life is rape, divorce (leaving in its wake heartache and pain) and consequently delinquents, drugs, alcohol, incest and child abuse. Their parliaments have legalised homosexuality where Mr. John marries Mr Jack, announces it in newspapers and celebrates it. The animal kingdom of the west! When a woman leaves her natural precincts she loses her greatest physical capital, her feminineness. A working woman loses her motherhood and her wifehood. BACKWARD OR PROGRESSIVE Mufti Taqi Usmani, analysing the modem woman says that when a woman works in her own house she is backwards but when she works for someone else she is progressive. When she feeds her family, she is backwards but when she feeds people in a restaurant or an aircraft, she is progressive. When she beautifies herself for her husband, she is backward but when she beautifies herself for other men she is progressive. Amrandir Bajaj, a gold medallist gynaecologist after doing thousands of abortions makes a confession. He says that it has been ultrasonically proven that the body feels pain when being aborted. When the mother feels life in her womb she feels such a sense of joy and honour that Allah has used her for this great miracle of bringing a human-being into the world. The child has just gained life, it starts kicking, playing in its mother’s protection. It is about to put its first step into the world. The mother will grant it protection at the risk of her own life. The worst sculptor does not destroy his own creation but marvels at it. But when the mother or rather the murderer wants to take the life of her own child because of some petty excuse like an examination, wedding function or holiday, she realises she cannot commit the gruesome and cruel murder of an innocent life so she hires an assassin - a gynaecologist. The poor child has no inkling of its impending doom. It is enjoying itself when suddenly metallic instruments come one after another, then the one-eyed monster comes with its open greedy mouth, grabs a part of a limb, wrenches it off and the comfortable protective womb is transformed into a sea of blood. The child sends signals of fear to the mother? (murderer!) The stupid fool is crying for help from its murderers ? ? ?! Like a fish out of water it is opening and closing its mouth, screaming in silence, gasping for life - everything fights for life - why not this little wonderful being? But it is condemned to die by its own mother. The one eyed monster strikes again and again taking limb after limb. Finally the head is grabbed by a bigger sinister monster which crushes it and the brains ooze out and finally those beautiful little eyes follow like pearls. The gynaecologist wipes his hands on his white coat, money changes hands and the most gruesome, cruel and brutal murder, worse than burying alive or neck-lacing has taken place which goes down in the flowery medical terminology as an MTP (medical termination of pregnancy). Is this any culture or civilisation? Is this medical advancement??!! Is this what the Cairo Conference of the U.N wants to push down the throats of the people? The Qur’aan asks (to highlight the innocence of the child) “For what sin were you killed?” If we follow in their footsteps, we must expect their evils to follow. A poet says: O Haji, you will not reach the Kaaba, for you are walking in the direction of Turkistan. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the corrupt evil life of the western women and their culture.

Question I am a muslimah from the city of Mumbai, India. I have completed my masters two years back. Earlier, I was this super career oriented kind of a lady, hence the over-education (over-education because I feel I have just wasted my time pursuing worldy education). But as I started learning more about Islam (not that m a newbie to Islam)...I started implementing the same in my day to day life, Alhumdullillah. I understood the concept of why women can't work in a free environment (intermingling). Hence I gave up upon many lucrative job offers as working for a good organisation meant intermingling. I was home doing nothing on the job front for a period of 2 years. Many suggested I take up teaching as it was a very noble profession and does not involve much of intermingling as compared to when working for some other organisation would. I thought, I will just have to teach college students who are younger to me, so not much of a problem. Yes, there were guys (3 in a class of 30 students)...I thought, I would be teaching...no mingling would take place (And I observed my hijab, was always clad in my burqa). But later I realised, what is wrong is wrong. One should not justify or make excuses. Hence I decided to quit. But I could not just go and tell them that I am quitting the job. The students portion was at stake and it seemed unprofessional. I had given them a commitment, because of me they had let go of other teachers. So I completed my term and have quit, Alhumdullillah Yaa Sheikh, so much of a story because now I am wondering whether the income that I have earned out of the job of a teacher is halaal or haraam upon me. Because it is prohibited for a muslimah to work in a free environment, so how can the income be halaal?? And secondly, by showing my commitment towards the students, did I fail towards my commitment towards Allah swt?? Answer Muhtaram / Muhtaramah In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāh wa-barakātuh. We commend you on your decision to leave working outside the home environment for the sake of upholding the teachings of Shar’ah. May Allah Ta'aala accept your sacrifice and bless you with istiqaamat. Aameen! The income that you’ve earned will not be considered haraam. However, if you wish you may voluntarily give your earnings or a portion of it in charity as part of your taubah. A Sahaabi Radiyallahu Anhu was performing salaat in his garden when the beauty of the garden distracted him thus causing him to forget the number of rak’aat he had performed. He was greatly saddened and gave the entire garden as sadaqah. Allah Ta'aala is our Creator, Master, Controller, Nourisher and Sustainer. Our greatest commitment and obligation is to Allah Ta'aala. Thus, by showing commitment to the students you had not fulfilled the right of Allah Ta'aala upon yourself. Masha’Allah you have now left and made taubah so you have now given preference to your commitment with Allah Ta'aala which will be a means of earning His pleasure and true success in this world and in the next. And Allah knows best Darul Iftaa Madrasah Inaa’miyyah

Words from a christian sister: Joanna Francis. A woman’s sexuality should be guarded from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who will marry you. Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue? There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds. We Western women have been brainwashed into thinking that you Muslim women are oppressed. But truly, we are the ones who are oppressed; slaves to fashions that degrade us, obsessed with our weight, begging for love from men who do not want to grow up. Deep down inside, we know that we have been cheated. We secretly admire and envy you, although some of us will not admit it. Please do not look down on us or think that we like things the way they are. It’s not our fault. Most of us did not have fathers to protect us when we were young because our families have been destroyed. You know who is behind this plot. Don’t be fooled, my sisters! Don’t let them get you too. Stay innocent and pure. We Christian women need to see what life is really supposed to be like for women. We need you to set the example for us, because we are lost. Hold onto your purity. Remember: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard your “toothpaste” carefully! I hope you receive this advice in the spirit in which it is intended: the spirit of friendship, respect, and admiration. From your Christian sister, Journalist : Joanna Francis.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah () said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will not look at him who trails his lower garment out of pride." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

'Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah () saying, "When a Muslim visits a sick Muslim at dawn, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him till dusk. If he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him till the morning; and he will have (his share of) reaped fruits in Jannah." [At- Tirmidhi]. Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet () said, "He who visits his brother in Faith, will remain engaged in picking the fresh fruits from the garden of Jannah till he returns." [Muslim].

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah () said, "Verily, Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious will say on the Day of Resurrection: 'O son of Adam, I was ill but you did not visit Me.' He would say: 'O my Rubb, how could I visit you and You are the Rubb of the worlds?' Thereupon He would say: 'Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine was ill but you did not visit him? Did you not realize that if you had visited him (you would have known that I was aware of your visit to him, for which I would reward you) you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked food from you but you did not feed Me.' He would submit: 'My Rubb, how could I feed You and You are the Rubb of the worlds?' He would say: 'Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine asked you for food but you did not feed him? Did you not realize that if you had fed him, you would certainly have found (its reward) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked water from you but you did not give it to Me.' He would say: 'My Rubb, how could I give You (water) and You are the Rubb of the worlds?' Thereupon He would say: 'Such and such a slave of Mine asked you for water to drink but you did not give it to him. Did you not realize that if you had given him to drink you would have found (its reward) with Me?"' [Muslim].

Islam The choice of Thinking Women by Ismail Adam Patel A book for "Thinking Women" Part of the FORWARD There is no doubt that the issue of the status of woman in Islam is among the most abused and most worn out propaganda tool in the hands of the Islamaphobe lobby worldwide. Their barrage of abuse against Islam on this score has resulted in great confusion in the minds of people, including unfortunately, some Muslims. The unreasonable and sometimes paranoiac extent to which they have stooped to hype up public opinion against Islamic Hijab, a symbol of modesty and dignity in Muslim female garb, can be understood from the caption of a photograph in one weekly journal of International circulation which carries the photograph of a Muslim woman donning a veil as 'The veiled threat of Islam!. In a climate where such hostility exists against the viewpoint of Islam on the status of woman, it is of absolute necessity that the distortions and confusion created by the Western media be rectified in a clear, sober, captivating and intellectual fashion. Another essential element is to present the facts in a manner that is understood and appreciated even by unbiased non-Muslims seeking the truth. At least this would repair some of the damage done to the good name of Islam by those hell-bent on vilifying it by any means INTRODUCTION It has been through Allah's Mercies and Blessings that I have been able to complete this book, which I began in Sha'ban 1414 AH (February 1994). I am a Muslim, a fact which I must make clear to the reader from the outset, for this is a book with an objective, to clarify what is arguably the most frequently discussed aspect of my faith: the position of women in Islam. In doing so, I wish to take this matter beyond the usual defense of Islam and seek a positive understanding of why women are embracing Islam in increasing numbers. I will also examine the role of feminism in today's world. For far too long, Muslims have had to put up with the criticism, based on ignorance, that their faith is "irrational in the modem age". Islam, and Muslim women in particular, continue to be subjected to ridicule and mockery throughout the Western world. In all of this the media play a key role in orchestrating misinformation, slander and downright lie about Islam. Despite the almost superhuman efforts to break the spirit of Islam in Muslims, this faith remains the fastest growing religion in the world. In Europe and North America the progress of Islam is well documented in census reports. Moreover, it is reported that out of every ten "new" Muslims, seven are women. Speculation abounds as to why individuals - especially women - accept Islam when they have been bombarded, courtesy of the Western media, with inaccurate and demeaning "information" about the faith. The simple fact remains that when the light of truth shines into the soul, the mind and heart are opened and every aspect of the human being submits to the Creator of the Universe. This transformation suppresses materialistic, worldly desires, and brings about serenity, contentment, and inner peace. Continue Reading

Allah, The Most Exalted says: "Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): 'Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners)". (Qur’aan- 3:190, 191) The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "A wise man is the one who calls himself to account (and refrains from doing evil deeds) and does noble deeds to benefit him after death; and the foolish person is the one who subdues himself to his temptations and desires and seeks from Allah the fulfilment of his vain desires". (Hadith: Tirmidhi)

A Beautiful Success Story This story shows what a difference a pious woman can make to her husband’s life and what sacrifices she is capable of. A Sister found out her husband was having an illicit relationship and they had even had a child. Though grief and pain filled her heart, her piety came to her aid (and more importantly, to her husband’s aid). She immediately said to her husband that he should marry this woman. This he did, and he had three more children with her. The beautiful and absolutely amazing thing is that the second wife did not have any Deeni knowledge and it was the first wife who took it upon herself to teach her and her children! May Allah subhaanhu wata’ala reward her in both worlds.

Barhi Ammi, Choti Ammi! This is the story of a woman who did not have any children and who herself suggested that her husband perform a second Nikah. Despite opposition from relatives and the community her husband married again and they all live together on one property with a small apartment designated to the second wife. Children were born to the second wife however they are closer to their “Barhi Ammi” (older mum) and their own mum is “Choti Ammi” (younger mum). The most inspiring part of this story is that when there is a wedding to attend or for an outing, the older wife always urges her husband to take the younger wife and on occasions of sadness she herself will accompany her husband and when any of the children or the husband brings a gift to the second wife she urges them to give it to “Barhi Ammi”! They have ended up as best friends and harmony prevails in the household despite people trying to stir up their situation.

Hand Yourself over The fashions and trends of the day are always changing. The creation of Allah Ta’ala never changes. Human beings are not changed to look like birds, and flowers are not changed to look like leaves. The trends and fashions of the world are man-made and therefore deficient. Hence those who follow the ever changing western way of life are found to be always dissatisfied, without direction and focus. They will always be out-of-date and trying to keep up with the fast, ever-changing material world. We need to simply hand over ourselves to the perfection of Islam.

Question: Respected Mufti Sab, For many days I have a confusion in my mind regarding tarahwi. I have been trying to ask the same question from different moulvies near my home but could'nt find the satisfactory answer. The question is I want to know about the history of tarawhi. Some people say that Hazrat Umer (R.A.) started it. The question is that when HAZRAT MUHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM) HAS completed the teachings of Islam and nothing could be added or subtracted from ISLAM then why is it so. Answer: Bismillah Al-Jawab Billahi At-Taufeeq (the answer with Allah's guidance) The History Of Tarawih. Tarawih During The Era Of Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): Narrated 'Urwa: That he was informed by 'Aisha, "Allah's Apostle went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the Masjid and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the Masjid was full with a large number of people. Allah's Apostle came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning prayer. When the morning prayer was finished he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, "Amma ba'du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on." So, Allah's Apostle died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually). " (Bukhari, Book 32, 3:229) "It is narrated that one night during Ramadan Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) performed Salaat al-Tarawih in the masjid. A group of Sahaabah joined him during his salaah. The following night the same happened as the previous night except that the number of followers had increased considerably. Hence on the third (or fourth) night Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) did not come out to the Masjid to perform Salaat Al-Tarawih with the people. The following morning he said to them: "Indeed I had seen your eagerness (to perform the Tarawih behind me), but for the fear that this Salaah will be made Fardh (compulsory) upon you during Ramadan, I did not come out to join you in the Tarawih". (Muslim, Hadith no.761) Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) prayed 20 Rakat, narrated by Ibne Abbas: that during the month of Ramadan, Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) performed 20 Rakat and thereafter, performed the Witr Salat (prayer). (Baihaqi and Musannaf Ibne Abi ShaibahBA) Hafiz Ibne Hajar states this Hadith in his book, (Al Mataalibul Aaliyah Vol.1 Pg.146). NOTE: The narrator of this Hadith as you know is Abdullah Ibne Abbas (RA), he was very close to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) the reason being that he use to stay over at his auntie’s (Ummul Mumineen Maymoona (RA)) house, this is where Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) use to spend more time of doing Ibadaat (worshipping). This is the reason why Ibn Abbas has mentioned the number of Rakats which is 20, where he saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) praying 20 Rakat. Although some scholars have declared this Hadith to be Daeef on its own, it does not mean that it should be whole heartedly rejected; since Daeef does not mean Maudu (fabricated). The Hadith related from Ibn Abbas (RA) is supported by many other narrations coming from great Companions like Uthman, Ali, Ibn Mas'ood...(Allah be pleased with them all), as well as their successors (Tabi'in). Besides, some of the scholars of Hadith have even declared some weak Ahadith to be Sahih, if it has a firm basis. "Shafi'i also recognises a weak Hadith as authentic (Sahih) if it is found to be accepted by the whole Ummah (see al-Sakhawi: Fath al-Mugith). According to the later scholars of the Hanafi school like Ibn al-Humam, a Hadith will be declared Sahih, if it is supported by the practise of the Ummah (see Abdal Rashid Nu'mani: Ma tamusu ilaihe al-Haja, pg. 18). Among traditionalists, Tirmidhi often remarks, after quoting a less authentic Hadith: 'It is being practised by the people of learning (Ahl al-Ilm).' Suyuti deduces: 'It indicates that the Hadith is supported by the sayings of the people of learning. More than one scholar has said that a Hadith is declared Sahih if supported by the sayings of the people of learning, even if it lacks a proper Isnad (Suyuti: al-Ta'aqubat, folio 20)." As stated above, the great research scholar (Muhaqqiq) Hafiz Kamal ibn al-Humam (d. 861/1457; Rahimahullah) had actually said: "One of the factors from which the authenticity of a Hadith is known is that the learned (Ulama) may conform to it, which is a proof of its being sound (vide: Fath al-Qadir, vol. 3, pg. 349). Let us now see what a number of Imams of sacred law have said about the aforementioned narration from Ibn Abbas (RA). (a) Imam Ahmad al-Tahtawi has said in Sharh Durr al-Mukhtar (VOL.1 PG.466): "On the authority of Ibn Abbas' statement, 20 rak'ahs of Taraweeh has been estblished from the Holy Prophet's (peace be upon him) practice." (b) Shaykh Abdal Haqq al-Dehlawi has been quoted by the author of Fatawa Rahimiyya (VOL.1 PG.280) as follows: "Shaykh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith of Delhi writes in his book, Fath-e-Sirr-ul-Mannan: 'The obvious thing is that, according to the holy Companion's, the Holy Nabi's (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) saying 20 Rak'ahs had been established, as is mentioned in Ibn Abbas' tradition, and for this reason Hazrat Umar (RA) adopted 20 Rak'ahs...' He also quoted Shaykh Abdal Haqq as saying from his book: Ma Sabata Minas Sunnah (PG.223), 'According to our belief, the Taraweeh consists of 20 Rak'ahs, for Bayhaqi has reported with sound authority that the holy Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to perform 20 Rak'ahs during Umar's time; moreover, this practice continued during Hazrat Uthman and Hazrat Ali's (may Allah be pleased with them) periods also.'" Tarawih During The Era Of The Rightly Guided Sahaba (RA): The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) died and the affair relative to the Tarawih Salaah remained thus (i.e. it is recommended and it can be prayed in congregation). This is because the fear for it to become compulsory was removed after His (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) death. During the Khilafah of Abu Bakr (RA) Tarawih with Jamaat was not in vogue. The rightly guided Caliph Umar Ibnul khattab (RA) revived this Sunnah of having the prayer of 20 rakat Tarawih with congregation in every night of Ramadan and the completion of the entire Quraan began only during the khilaafat of hazrat Umar (RA). All the Sahaabah present had agreed upon this practice. From then onwards including the Khilafah of both Hazrat Uthmaan and Hazrat Ali (RA) upto this day the Muslim Ummah (at large) has followed this practice. 20 Rakats Tarawih is also performed in both the Masjids of Makkah and Madinah upto the present time. However, it is tragic that in recent times a group of people have conflicted with the consensus of the Sahaabah (RA) and the rest of the Ummah with regards to the number of Rakaats in Tarawih Salaah. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of 'Umar's Caliphate." 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night." (Bukhari, Book 32, 3:227) Malik related to me from Ibn Shihab from Urwa ibn az-Zubayr that Abd ar-Rahman ibn Abd al-Qari said, "I went out with Umar ibn Al Khattab in Ramadan to the Masjid and the people there were spread out in groups. Some men were praying by themselves, whilst others were praying in small groups. Umar said, 'By Allah! It would be better in my opinion if these people gathered behind one reciter.' So he gathered them behind Ubayy ibn Ka'ab. Then I went out with him another night and the people were praying behind their Qur'an reciter. Umar said, 'How excellent this new way is, but what you miss while you are asleep is better than what you watch in prayer.' He meant the end of the night, and people used to watch the beginning of the night in prayer." (Muwwatta Imam Malik, Book 6, NO.6.2.3:) *Why did Umar (R.A.) call this method of performing Taraweeh Bid’ah (innovation)? Allamah Aini (R.A.) explains in umdatul Qaree (vol.11 pg.126) - “He (Umar R.A.) only called it Bid’ah because Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) did not prescribe this method for them, nor was it existent in the era of Abu Bakar (R.A.). He (Umar R.A.) encouraged this method by saying Na’am (how excellent/wonderful) to indicate upon its virtue and so that this title (of being Bid’ah) does not prevent from practicing upon it.” Allamah Kirmaani (R.A.) thereafter quotes Allamah Khattabi (R.A.): “He (Umar R.A.) only called it Bid’ah because Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) did not prescribe it and nor was it (existent) in the era of Abu Bakr (R.A.). He (Umar R.A.) encouraged it (Taraweeh behind one Imaam) by him saying Ni’ma (how wonderful) to indicate upon its virtue and so that this term (Bid’ah) does not prevent from practicing upon it. And the standing of Ramadhaan is in actual fact Sunnat, not Bid’at because of the following saying of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): “Follow those two after me. Abu Bakr and Umar (R.A.). Yahya related to me from Malik that Yazid ibn Ruman said, "The people used to watch the night in prayer during Ramadan for twenty-three rakats in the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab.” (Muwatta Imam Malik, Book 6, NO. 6.2.5:) In this hadith 20 Rakats was Tarawih prayer and the 3 Rakats was Witr prayer. Al-Hasan reported: Umar ibn al-Khattab gathered the people (in Tarawih prayer) behind Ubayy ibn Ka'b who would perform 20 Rakats with them. (ABU DAWUD, vol.1 pg.202) It is reported by Saib Ibne Yazeed, that the people used to perform 20 Rakat of Tarawih in the month of Ramadan during the era of Umar. (Baihaqi As Sunanul Kubra Vol.1 Pg.496- Declared authentic by Nawawi, Iraqi and Suyuti). And Only Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. -------------------------------------- Moulana Qamruz Zaman London, UK Source

Question: As Salaamu Aleykum mufti saab, I wanted to ask where does the tradition of praying 8 rakat tarawih come from and is it permissible for us to pray 8 rakats only? JazakAllahu Khayran for your time Answer: Bismillah Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah's guidance) Is Tarawih 8 Or 20? For the past fourteen hundred years, the Ummah has been performing twenty Rakaats of Taraweeh without a question. However “a sect” now claims that Taraweeh is ONLY eight Rakaats, which implies that for fourteen hundred years the Ummah had deviated from the Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and had performed twenty Rakaats without any Shari proof. First, it should be said that the Hadith reported from Sayyidah Aisha (RA) about 11 Rak'ahs is not at all to do with Taraweeh, according to the majority of scholars, but in fact concerns the number of Rak'ahs of Tahajjud prayer! The Hadith is as follows:- Narrated abu salama bin abdur rahman (RA): I asked Aisha (RA) about the prayer of Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) during the month of Ramadan. She said, “ALLAH’s Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) never exceeded 11 Rakats in Ramadan nor in the other months; he used to offer 4 rakats – do not ask me about their beauty and lentgh, then 4 Rakats, do not ask me about their beauty and length, and then 3 Rakat.” Aisha further said , “I said, ‘O Allah’s messenger! Do you sleep before offering Witr salat?’ he replied, ‘O Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart remains awake!’ (Bukhari, book of Tahajjud prayer, chapter: the Salat (prayer) of the prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) at night in Ramadan and in other months. 2:248) The commentator of al-Sahih al-Bukhari and the erudite traditionist, Shaykh Shamsud-Din al-Kermani (d. 786 AH; RH) said: 'In the Hadith (above), the Tahajjud prayer is meant. Abu Salama's question and Hadrat Aisha's answer concerned the Tahajjud.' He adds further: 'If the Tahajjud prayer is not meant, then this tradition will be at variance with the tradition that states that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) led twenty Rak'ahs each for two nights, and in the case of such clash the tradition of twenty Rakah's which is affirmative (Muthbit) shall have precedence because according to the principles of Hadith, the affirmative takes precedence over the negative (Naafi)" (vide: Al-Kawakib ud-Durari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 9, pg 155-156). We say, does this not mean that people who perform 8 Rak'ahs of Taraweeh, should pray 20 Rak'ahs instead? Since according to the principles of Hadith, "The affirmative takes precedence over the negative in certain cases." A great fact that should also be noted is that the Imam's of Hadith have placed the Hadith from Sayyidah Aisha (RA) under the section of Tahajjud prayers, which indicates their belief that the Hadith applies to Tahajjud only. The Imam al-Muhaddithin al-Bukhari has placed the Hadith from Sayyidah Aisha under at least two sections of his Sahih, first under the section of '21: The Tahajjud Prayer at Night' (see Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 2, chapter 15, no. 248, English ed'n) and then under the section of '32: The Book of Taraweeh Prayers' (see Sahih al-Bukhari, 3/230, pg. 128 English ed'n). This means that al-Imam Bukhari believed that the prayer mentioned by Aisha was that of Tahajjud only, and since the Tahajjud prayer is performed also in Ramadan, then Imam Bukhari also quoted the same Hadith under 'The book of Taraweeh prayers', but Allah knows best. Imam Muslim has also placed the Hadith from Aisha under the Tahajjud prayer section (see Sahih Muslim 1/1607, pg. 356, English ed'n). Also Imam Malik has placed Sayyidah Aisha's Hadith under the Book of Tahajjud (see Al-Muwatta, Book 7, section 7.2, no. 9, pg. 5, English ed'n). Al-Imam Abi Dawud has also placed the same Hadith under the chapter 'On the number of Rak'ahs of the prayer at night (Tahajjud)' (see Abi Dawud 1/1336, pg. 351, English version). Even Imam's Tirmidhi and Nisai (Allah's mercy be upon them) placed Aisha's Hadith under the Tahajjud section (see Tirmidhi, vol. 1, pg. 58 and Nisai, vol. 1, pg. 154). Ibne Hajar states that in Bukhari the chapter of Tahajjud, Witr, and Nawafil prayers are mentioned separately, so this indicates that Imam Bukhari did not place Tahajjud, Witr and optional prayer into one chapter, but into different, separate chapters. (FATHUL BARI VOL.2 PG.478) This proves that Tahajjud and Tarawih prayers are separate prayers, if however, the Tahajjud and Tarawih prayer was the same-as some people (Salafis) say, why didn’t Imam Bukhari mention Tarawih and Tahajjud prayer into one chapter or book? Removal of a doubt If someone makes a claim that there is no distinction between Tahajjud and Taraweeh. For 11 months it is called Tahajjud and in Ramadhaan it is called Taraweeh. In response to this we would question: What is the proof for this claim? And when there are numerous distinctions existing, then how is it possible to regard both as one? Differences between Tahajjud and Taraweeh 1. Tahajjud was ordained by means of express quranic verse: “Stand up at night except a little.” Taraweeh being a Sunnah was established through the hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “I have made its standing Sunnat upon for you.” 2. Everyone agrees that the number of Rakaats of Tahajjud have been transmitted by Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), the maximum being 13 including Witr and the minimum being 7 including Witr. However no specific number has been transmitted from Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) regarding Taraweeh as clearly stated by Allamah ibne Taymiah. Therefore the Aimma-e-Mujtahideen differ in the number. Some say 20 and some say 36, even more. 3. Tahajjud was ordained in Makkah whilst Taraweeh was prescribed in Madina. 4. It is mentioned in the realiable books of the Hambali Mazhab, Muqna: “Taraweeh is 20 Rakaats which a person performs in Ramadhaan in Jamaat. He will read Witr after it in Jamaat. However if he reads Tahajjud then he will make Witr after it.” 5. Tahajjud is generally performed after sleeping while Taraweeh is performed after Esha. From the above we learn that Taraweeh and Tahajjud are separate Salaahs. The Hadith Of Aisha (RA) Dosen't proove The Tarawih Prayer: This Hadith apparently indicates that Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) performed eight Rakaats and three Rakaats Witr, In other Ahadith it is stated that Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) prayed more than 8 and less than 8 Rakats, i.e. The same narrator Aisha (RA) clearly states that prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) prayed 13 Rakats. (Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 241) Abu Salama asked Aisha about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) she said, "He observed 13 Raka'ahs (in the night prayer). He observed 8 Raka'ahs and would then observe (three Rak'ahs of) Witr and then observe two Raka'ahs sitting (Nafl prayer), and when he wanted to bow he stood up and then bowed down, and then he observed two Raka'ahs in between the Azan and Iqama of the dawn prayer (i.e. Fajr)." (Sahih Muslim 1/1603, pg. 357). Ibn Abbas narrates: The prayer of the Prophet used to be of thirteen Rakat, i.e. of the night prayer. (Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 239) Masruq narrates: I asked Aisha about the night prayer of Allah's Apostle and she said, "It was seven, nine or eleven Rakat besides the two Rakat of the Fajr prayer (i.e. Sunna). " (Bukhar, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 240) Now we can see clearly from these traditions that it contradicts with the proof and evidence (The Hadith Aisha RA)) of the Ghair Muqallids (those who do not follow a Madhab (one of the school of thought)) . Note: In the following paragraphs we will be analyzing the Hadith of Aisha (RA), so make sure you refer to it. 1) This hadith (the hadith of A’isha) also mentions the word, ‘“ALLAH’s Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) never exceeded 11 Rakats in Ramadan nor in the other months" this clearly indicates that this was with reference to Tahajjud because the Tahajjud prayer was compulsory on Rasulullah (the messenger of Allah) everyday, Allah (Ta'ala) Say’s,“stand (to pray all) night, except a little-half of it, or a little less than that, or a little more…”(73:4) However, the Hadith of A’isha doesn’t refer to Taraweeh Salaat but refers to Tahajjud. 2) This hadith states, that Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) prayed this Salat by himself, and the Witr prayer also. This is very clear in the text (Hadith). -Ghair Muqallids say it is prayed with congregation and the witr prayer also. 3) This hadith states, that Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) prayed this prayer at home. (When Aisha further said, “I said, O Allah’s messenger! Do you sleep before offering the Witr prayer?” he replied, ‘O Aisha my eyes sleep but my heart remains awake!”) This is clear that Aisha (RA) is mentioning it at home. -Ghair Muqallids say that it is prayed in the Masjid. 4) This hadith states, that Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) after praying this prayer he went to sleep, and then got up to pray his Witr prayer. (Like the hadith mentioned above, ‘O Aisha my eyes sleep but my heart remains awake!”) In the noble quran, Allah (Ta'ala) says, “verily, the rising by night is very hard most potent………….” (73:6) In this verse we can see clearly that Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was ordered to rise (from sleep) for Tahajjud prayer and he also use to pray Witr prayer, as this was the practice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). In another Hadith the narrator Aisha (RA) was asked about the night prayer of Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) she replied, ‘he used to sleep during the first part of the night (after praying I'sha ), and get up in its last part to offer prayer (Tahajjud prayer with Witr prayer), and then return to his bed.’ (Bukhari, book of Tahajjud, chapter: Sleeping in the first part of the night and getting up in its last part. 2:247) -Ghair Muqallids say, that the witr prayer is immediately prayed after tarawih Salat (Prayer). 5) This hadith states, that Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) prayed this Salat with 4 Rakats. like the hadith mentioned, (“he used to offer 4 rakats……….”) -Ghair Muqallids say, that this prayer is prayed with 2 Rakats . (Ghair Maqallideen Imam Bukhari Ki A'dalat Main Pg. 147-149) The belief of the Ghair Muqallids on 8 Rakat Taraweeh contradicts in every direction with the Hadith of A’isha (RA), which they hold evident and using their utmost effort to prove that the Tarawih prayer of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was 8. However, this proof is useless and baseless. From this we also learn that according to some people themselves it is not compulsory to practice upon this Hadith nor is going against this Hadith opposing the Sunnah. In such a situation to use this Hadith as a proof against anyone else or to prove any claim is gross injustice and against the dictates of piety. There are some who say that if anyone performs more than 11 Rak'ahs of Taraweeh, then he or she is basically committing a Bid'ah (a very bad innovation)! We seek refuge in Allah from such a disgusting statement! Since this tantamountally means that the foremost Imams of the saved sect (al-Firqat an-Najiyyah) of Ahl-al-Sunnah wa'l-Jama'ah have been committing a gross innovation (Allah forbid). Such a person seems to be implying that the venerable Sahaba kiram (RA), the four great Mujtahid Imams (RH), as well as the foremost scholars of Hadith and Fiqh of the last 1400 years have 'innovated' the practise of 20 Rak'ahs of Taraweeh, if considered in the light of penetrative elaboration, implicitly and covertly! Laa Hawla wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaah il-Aliyy il-Azeem! And Only Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. -------------------------------------- Moulana Qamruz Zaman London, UK Source