Ramazaan
Ramazaan
Virtues
of Ramazaan
AITEEKAAF ITIKAF (SECLUSION IN MASJID)
The meaning of Aiteekaaf is to seclude oneself in the Masjid with
the express niyyah (intention) of Aiteekaaf. According to the Hanafi
school of thought, there are three different types of Aiteekaaf (itikaf).
1. WAAJIB Aiteekaaf
This Aiteekaaf becomes compulsory when a person makes it obligatory
upon himself. An example of this is, when a person makes a vow to
Allah that if Allah fulfills a certain wish of his, he will under
take to perform so many days Aiteekaaf. In this case the moment
his wish is fulfilled, Aiteekaaf becomes compulsory. A person may
just make unconditional vow whereby he makes Aiteekaaf Waajib upon
himself for certain number of days. This becomes a Waajib duty on
him from that moment onward.
2. SUNNAH AITEEKAAF
This was the general practice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
and it means to seclude oneself inside the Masjid for the last ten
days of Ramadhan.
3. Nafil AITEEKAAF
There is no special time or specific number of days for Nafil Aiteekaaf.
A person may make niyyah for any number of days at any time, even
for his whole life. Imam Abu Hanifah (Rehmatullah Alaihi) however
states that it must be for at least one full day.
Imam Mohammed (Rehmatullah Alaihi) states that there is no limit
on the minimum period of time. The fatwa is on this later view.
Therefore, it is desirable for anyone entering a Masjid to make
the niyyah (intention) of Aiteekaaf for the the period that he will
remain in the Masjid. So while he is in Ibaadah he also gains the
reward of Aiteekaaf.
In view of above, it is advisable that everyone entering the Masjid
to join the congregation prayer, should on entering the Masjid,
make the niyyah for Aiteekaaf. In that case, it means that as long
as he remains busy with Salaah, Zikr, listening to lectures or sermons,
he also receives reward for the Aiteekaaf. I always observed that
my late father used to make niyyah for Aiteekaaf while stepping
into the Masjid with his right foot. Occasionally, by way of teaching
and reminding his followers, he sued to raise his voice when reciting
the Niyyah.
- - - OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF AITEEKAAF
-
- -
The reward for Aiteekaaf is great. Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi
Wasallam) constantly performed Aiteekaaf. The example of the one
who resides in the Masjid in Aiteekaaf is like a person, who having
gone to a certain place for something, remains there until it is
granted.
When someone comes begging to our door and then refuses to leave
until he has been granted his request, I am sure that even the one
with the hardest heart amongst us will eventually accede to his
request. How much more merciful is Allah, Who even grants without
reason.
Hence, when one isolates himself from all worldly things and goes
to Allah's door, what doubt can there be for his plea to be accepted.
And when Allah has favored someone, others cannot describe the ecstasy
and enrichment of such limitless treasures. How could a person ever
describe what he has not obtained? However, can an under aged person
describe adulthood? Nevertheless, this is a course in which one
shall give nothing else besides total dedication or else be taken
away for the final meeting of his creator. Allama Ibn Qayyim, on
explaining the significance of Aiteekaaf, writes that actual aim
of Aiteekaaf is to divert the heart from everything except Allah,
and to join it with Allah alone, thereby forming a complete spiritual
connection with the creator.
All worldly connections are thus cut off for the sake of gaining
Allah's attention. All thoughts, desire, love and devotion become
centered around Him. In consequence His love is attained - a love
and friendship that will be the only friend in the loneliness of
the grave. When a person has that, then who can possibly imagine
the great ecstasy with which that time of the grave will be spent?
In Maraquil Falaah, the author writes that Aiteekaaf, when properly
and sincerely performed, is a most virtuous deed. One cannot possibly
enumerate all the great advantages and benefits in it. In actual
fact, what takes place in Aiteekaaf, is that the heart is drawn
away from everything else except the creator, while our whole life
is actually laid down at His doorstep. One remains in Ibaadah all
the time. Even when one is asleep, one is still in His service,
striving for nearness to Him. Allah says (according to a Hadith)
All worldly connections are thus cut off for the sake of gaining
Allah's attention. All thoughts, desire, love and devotion become
centered around Him. In consequence His love is attained - a love
and friendship that will be the only friend in the loneliness of
the grave. When a person has that, then who can possibly imagine
the great ecstasy with which that time of the grave will be spent?
In Maraquil Falaah, the author writes that Aiteekaaf, when properly
and sincerely performed, is a most virtuous deed. One cannot possibly
enumerate all the great advantages and benefits in it. In actual
fact, what takes place in Aiteekaaf, is that the heart is drawn
away from everything else except the creator, while our whole life
is actually laid down at His doorstep. One remains in Ibaadah all
the time. Even when one is asleep, one is still in His service,
striving for nearness to Him. Allah says (according to a Hadith)
Whoever draws near to Me (the length of) one hand, then I draw nearer
to him (the length of) two hands and whoever draws near to Me by
walking, I draw near to him by running. Whoever draws near to Me
(the length of) one hand, then I draw nearer to him (the length
of) two hands and whoever draws near to Me by walking, I draw near
to him by running.
Moreover, in Aiteekaaf one seeks refuge in the house of Allah (Subhanahu
wa Taala), and is safe therein from all enemies.
WHERE TO PERFORM Aiteekaaf
The best of places for Aiteekaaf, for males, is the Masjid ul Haraam
in Mecca. The next best is the Masjid ul Nabawi in Madinah and the
next best is Baitul Muqaddas. Thereafter, comes the Jamia Masjid
in one's own town. and last but not least, the Masjid nearest to
one's home. Imam Abu Hanifah (Rehmatullah Alaihi) stipulate the
Masjid should be one wherein the five daily prayers are performed,
while Imam Abu Yusuf (Rehmatullah Alaihi) and Imam Mohammed (Rehmatullah
Alaihi) are agreed that any Masjid according to the Shariah can
be entered for Aiteekaaf, even if there is no regular Salaah with
Jamaah.
As for the females, they can perform Aiteekaaf in the Masjid inside
their homes. Where, however, no Masjid exists and the desire for
Aiteekaaf be there, one room of the house should be set aside for
this purpose, Aiteekaaf is in fact an easier task for women. A special
section of the house, most commonly the prayer room, is set aside
wherein they seclude themselves, remaining in Ibaadah. The domestic
duties can then be performed by daughters or servants and the women
in Aiteekaaf, while remaining in a section of her own house, is
spiritually rewarded for it. It is so very unfortunate that in spite
of the ease, our women folk still remain deprived of the blessings
of Aiteekaaf.
Ramazan and Itikaf
1. The Aiteekaaf of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam)
2. The Person doing Aiteekaaf avoids Sin and gets the same reward
as those who do righteous deeds
3. Aiteekaaf takes one far away from Jahannam
4. Concluding Hadith on the Blessings of Ramadhan
When they proceed for their Eid Salaah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala
says to the Angels: "What indeed is the reward of that employee
who has rendered full service?" The Angels reply: "O our
Sustainer and master, it is only right that he shall receive his
reward in full for his services."
Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) then says: "I call you to witness,
O My Angels, that for their having fasted for Me during the month
of Ramadhan and for their having stood before Me in Salaah by night,
I have granted to them as a reward My pleasure and have granted
them forgiveness. O My slaves, ask now of Me, for I swear by My
Honor and My Greatness, I swear, that I shall never disgrace you
in front of the transgressors and disbelieves. Return now from here,
you are forgiven. You have indeed pleased Me, and I am pleased with
you."
The Angels, on seeing this great reward bestowed upon the Ummah
of Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) on the day of Eid, become
greatly pleased and happy. (O Allah, make us also among those fortunate
ones: Aameen).
Note: The previous pages of this book have already
dealt with most of what is contained in this long Hadith. A few
points need further attention. We see here that there are a few
people who are deprived of the general forgiveness in Ramadhan and
are unfortunate indeed in not being able to get a share of this
even on the morning of Eid.
Among them are those who fight and quarrel among themselves and
those disobedient to their parents. One may well ask the: "You
have displeased Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and having done so, what
other refuge do you have? We feel indeed sad that, for some worldly
gain or honor, you have mad yourselves the target for the curse
of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) and the Angel Jibraeel
(Alaihi Salaam). while at the same time being excluded from Allah
(Subhanahu wa Taala) 's generous forgiveness. You may have gained
a temporary victory over your enemy and gained some worldly honor,
but this short-lived gain will avail nothing when Rasulullah (Sallallaho
Alaihi Wassallam) curse is on you, confirmed by Jibraeel (Alaihi
Salaam) and you are being refused Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's
forgiveness and mercy."
I beg you, my dear brothers and sisters, think about your position
at this moment and refrain from all your quarrels. There is still
time to rectify and repent today. Tomorrow you shall have to stand
before a Judge, before Whom no rank, no honor, position or wealth
shall benefit you - a judge before Whom only your actions shall
count and Who is aware of each and every movement.
Remember that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) may forgive our mistakes
as far as our relationship with Him is concerned, but will not forgive,
without equivalent penalty, the disobedience in our relations with
our fellow men.
Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said, "The poorest
one from among my Ummah is that person, who shall appear on the
day of Qiyamah bringing with him righteous deeds like Salaah, fasting
and charity, but he had also sworn at someone, falsely accused someone
else and hurt someone, with the result that all these people shall
come forward with complaints against him, bearing witness against
him. As a penalty, his good deeds shall be taken away and given
to the claimants and when his good deeds are exhausted in the manner
their sins shall be loaded upon him (when he is not able to pay
the full penalty through lack of good deeds) because of this load
he shall then enter Jahannam." So we see that, in spite of
many good deeds, he shall be in great despair (O Allah, save us
from that).
Another point is worth explaining in this connection. In these pages
we have spoken of various occasions and matters through which forgiveness
comes. A question may arise that, when forgiveness is being granted,
why should it be granted time and again in other words, once a person
was forgiven, there are no sins left on him. so why is forgiveness
granted again and again?
The answer to this is that when forgiveness is granted to a person
with a load of sins upon him, those sins are wiped away, but if
he has no sins, then instead Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's blessing
and reward descent upon him.
A further interesting point to note is that Allah (Subhanahu wa
Taala) repeatedly calls the angels to bear witness to His granting
forgiveness. The reason is that the conduct of affairs at the time
of reckoning in Qiyamah has been so laid down that witness shall
be brought forward to testify. Hence the Ambiyaa shall be required
to bring witnesses as to whether they had delivered the message.
Accordingly, very often our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) used
to say certainly you shall be asked about me (and my mission); so
bear witness that I did deliver the message.
In the Saheeh of Bukhari we read a Hadith, "On the day of Qiyamah
the Nabi Nooh (Alaihi Salaam) shall be called and asked; "Did
you deliver the message in the proper manner?" He shall reply,
"Yes I did." Then his Ummah shall be asked: "Did
he deliver My commandments?" "They shall reply 'No, neither
did a bringer of glad tidings come to us, nor a Warner' (al-Maaidah
19).
"There upon Nooh (Alaihi Salaam) shall be asked to bring a
witness. He shall call upon the Ummah of Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi
Wassallam) . This Ummah shall be called forward and they shall testify
(as to the truth of Nooh (Alaihi Salaam evidence)."
In some versions of this Hadith, this Ummah shall be cross-questioned. "How do you know that Nooh (Alaihi Salaam) did deliver commands
of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) , when you were not present at the
time?" They shall reply: "Our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi
Wassallam) informed us of that, the True Book revealed to him informed
us of that." In the same manner, all the Ummah of (Ambiyaa)
shall be questioned. For this reason the Quran says: "Thus
we made you an Ummah justly balanced, that you might stand witnesses
over the nations" (al-Baqarah 143).
Imam al-Raazi (Rehmatullah Alaihi) writes that on the day of Qiyamah
there shall be four types of witnesses:
(a) The Angels: The Quran says: "And there will come forth
every soul; with each will be our Angels to bear witness" (Qaaf
21). "Not a word does he utter, but there is Sentinel by Him
ready (to note)" (Qaaf 18). "But verily, over you (are
appointed Angels) to protect you, kind and honorable, writing down
your deeds, that they know and understand all that you do"
(al-Infitaar 10-12).
(b) The Ambiyaa: The Quran says: "And I was a witness over
them while I dwelt among them" (al-maidah 117) "And how
shall bring you forth, O Prophet, as a witness over these (the Ummah)?"
(al-Nisaa 41)
(c) The Ummah of Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) :- The following
Ayah refers to this "The Ambiyaa and the witnesses will be
brought forward" (a-zumer 69)
(d) The parts of man's body. Thus the Quran states: "That day
their tongues and hands shall bear witness against them" (al-noor
24).
"That day shall We set a seal on their mouths, but their hands
will speak to Us, and their feet will bear witness to all that they
did" (Yaaseen 65).
In short, all these Ayahs indicate bearing witness on the day of
Qiyamah of all those described therein.
The last Hadith under discussion also brings out a pleasing message.
Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) says that He shall not disgrace and humiliate
His dutiful servants in front of (and among) the unbelievers and
evil-doers. Is not that in itself a great favor to the seekers of
His goodwill, that He shall hide their faults and not reveal these
to others?
Abdullah Ibn Umer (Radiallaho Anho) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho
Alaihi Wassallam) said: "On the day of Qiyamah Allah (Subhanahu
wa Taala) shall call a believer to draw near and shall drop a curtain,
so that none else may see. Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) shall then
remind him of each and every evil deed and disobedience of his,
which he shall be obliged to admit. Seeing the great number of his
sins, that person shall feel that he indeed is bound to be destroyed.
But then Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) say: "In the world I did
cover up your faults, and today also I hide them and forgive them."
Thereafter, his book of good deeds shall be given to him."
The contents of this Hadith are found in many other Ahadith also
that faults of those who obey Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and seek
His pleasure are forgiven. We should, therefore, be careful not
to disgrace and attack the righteous ones for their faults, lest
we may be the real losers through backbiting and making fun of those
who in their own manner seek to please Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala),
Who may cover up their faults and forgive them through the blessings
of their other good deeds, while, we, who continue to backbite,
making fun of them, may be causing our own destruction. May Allah
(Subhanahu wa Taala) in His mercy pardon us all.
This Hadith also states that the night before the day of Eid is
called the night of reward, the night when Allah ( Subhanahu wa
Taala) gives a reward to His slaves who should also properly value
this night. It is usual that, once an announcement is made that
next day is Eid, the majority of us (including the good Muslims)
feel tired because of Ramadhan and prefer on this night to enjoy
rest and sleep, whereas this, too, is a valuable night that should
be spent in worship of Allah.
Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "Whoever stays
awake for worship of Allah on the night preceding either Eid, with
the aim of gaining reward, his heart shall not die on that day when
hearts shall decay." The meaning here is that at the time when
evil will have over-powered every-body, his heart shall stay alive
(guarded against evil). It may also perhaps refer to the time when
the trumpet shall be blown to hold the day of Qiyamah, on that day
his soul shall not become unconscious.
Rasulullah ( Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) is also reported to have
said, "Whoever stays awake for worship of Allah on the following
nights shall enter Jannah, Laylatul Tarwiyah (the night after the
seventh of the month of Zul Hijjah), Laylatul Arafah (the night
after the eight Sul-Hijjah), Laylatul Nahr (the night after the
ninth day of Zul Hijjah), the night preceding the Eid at the end
of Ramadhan and the night preceding the 15th of the month Shaban.
The Jurists of Islam have written that it is preferred to remain
in worship of Allah on the nights of both Eids. Imam Shaafi is reported
to have said that Dua is answered on the nights of Friday (the night
after the day of Thursday), the nights before the two Eids and on
the night preceding the fifteenth of the month of Shaban.
Some pious Ulama have said that, because of the exceptional greatness
of Friday night, one should spend this night in worship of Allah
during the month of Ramadhan. But there are some Ahadith where in
we are prohibited from fixing only that night for worship of Allah.
It is best that one or two other nights should be joined with it.
I have now come to the end of this book and in conclusion, hope
that this shall be of benefit to those who seek Allah (Subhanahu
wa Taala) 's pleasure. I beg and request all reader to make Dua
for me, the humble writer of these pages, during those special hours
(of acceptance) in Ramadhan. Do remember me too in your Dua and
Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) may, in His eternal Grace and mercy,
also shower His Grace and Pleasure upon me. Aameen.
HAFIZ MOHAMMAD ZAKARIYA KANDHLAVI,
Mazaher-ul-Ulum, Saharanpur
27th
night of Ramadhan, 1349 Hijri
