Friday, 9 May 2025

The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

 

THE LAST SERMON OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD

(Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)

 

The Great Charter of Human Rights

 

The last sermon of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is known as Khutbat Al-Wada’a. It is mentioned in almost all books of Hadith. Following Ahadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361), Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam Al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the most complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774.

 

This Khutbah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was long and it contained much guidance and instructions on many issues. The Prophet (PBUH) gave this sermon in front of a large gathering of people during Hajj. This sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H. (623 AD) in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat in Makkah. It was the occasion of Annual Rites of Hajj. It is also known as the Farewell Pilgrimage.

 

Farewell Pilgrimage

Whoever heard whatever part of the sermon reported it and later some scholars put it together. It is a great Khutbah and we should all pay attention to its message and guidance.

 

After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) began with the words:

 

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen very carefully to what I am saying and take these words to those who could not be present here today.”

 

“O People! just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds.”

 

Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has, judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn Abd ul Muttalib [the Prophet's uncle] be waived.”

 

“Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of son of Rabiah Ibni al-Harithiah.”.

 

“O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.” 

 

“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.”

 

“O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with HIS permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.”

 

O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, offer your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford it.”

 

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a nonArab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.”

 

“Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”

 

“O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People! and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.”

 

“All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.”

 

 O Allah, Be my witness, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people." 

 

 

References: 

(1)  Muslim, vol:2, Hadith:456,  

(2)  Bukhari, vol:1,Hadith:69,1670,1672,1673, vol:3,Hadith:1723 

 

 

 

Thursday, 1 May 2025

Hajj: The Fifth Pillar of Islam

 

Hajj: The Fifth Pillar of Islam

Dr. Mozammel Haque

 ISLAM IS A PRACTICAL RELIGION which lays down a complete code of life. Its training starts from childhood. The final pillar of Islam or the Fifth Pillar of Islam comes after the successful completion of the first four pillars of Islam. The training of five times prayer every day started from the local Masjid, meeting with local people, with neighbours five times every day.


But the ultimate objective or the summum bonum of Islam is establishing peace and harmony in the whole universe, and for that reason, it makes various provisions for creating peace and harmony in the lives of mankind as well as in the universe. Peace and harmony can be achieved only when there is solidarity and universal brotherhood among human beings. Islam preaches this concept and puts it into practice through the unique annual assemblage of the pilgrims during Hajj.

 The institution of Hajj in Islam is quite extraordinary and unparalleled. It is only Islam that has made the annual assemblage at one place, Makkah, an obligation for the capable Muslims from all corners of the world. In other words, it may be called the World Muslim Congress. This assembly has many distinctive features which no other gathering has and no other religion stipulates. The concept of unity and brotherhood is embedded in Islam in such a way that one is truly amazed to see millions of Muslims dressed in two white sheets of cloth gathered at one particular place, i.e. in Arafat during a fixed time on certain fixed days in the year. All human and man-made barriers and distinctions are demolished during that assembly.

We shall deal here with the aspects of unity and universal brotherhood which, besides others, are quintessential among the concepts of Hajj. First, let us take universal brotherhood. This universal brotherhood emanates from the following basic concepts and is demonstrated in a most authentic and brilliant manner here on this occasion:

 Adam is the first man from whom all human beings have sprung up;

Abraham is the father of monotheistic religion;

Acceptance of all prophets as prophets of God;

Belief in all revealed books of Allah.


Thus, this acceptance of Abraham as the patriarch of the concept of Tawheed and recognition of the continuity of Prophethood from Prophet Adam to the Last Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him all) and having faith in all revealed books keeps up a chain of faith known as Islam throughout the world. This binds the whole humankind into a bond of brotherhood whose genealogical father is Adam and the spiritual father Abraham. Thus Muslims believe in the continuation of the human race on earth. There are no conflicts and controversies in the monotheistic religion decreed by God. All Muslims (those who consciously and willingly surrender to the Will of the Creator) belong to this Ummah and therefore constitute a fraternity of faith. This is one way the Hajj conveys the message of universal brotherhood.

This aspect of universal brotherhood can also be noticed during Hajj when Muslims come from remote corners of the world and congregate in Makkah in the vicinity of the House of God, i.e. Baitullah. Though they might have come from the east or west, north or south, and all differences in colour, language, race and nationality notwithstanding, they find their oneness on the basis of their faith in One God, One Qiblah, One Book and One Prophet.

 The practical training for this universal brotherhood starts from the local or neighbourhood level with the five times daily prayers in the mosque, which gets enlarged with the Friday prayers once a week. The circle is again made substantially larger during the Eid prayer, and it becomes internationalised transforming into a global gathering once in a lifetime. So, as I mentioned at the beginning, the concept and training in universal brotherhood, which reaches its peak, starts from the very childhood at the local level.

  Box

Islam places emphasis on unity and unifies mankind 

on the basis of one God, one Book - the Qur’an, 

one Qibla - the Ka’aba and one leader - 

the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

The Noble Prophet’s mission was to establish unity 

and peace throughout the world. The Islamic concept of unity 

transcends all other forms of unity based on territory, 

geographical boundary, linguistic and ethnic affinity. 

He united Muslims on the basis of faith, 

which is the Oneness of God, Islam.

As regards unity, Islam, first of all, removed all man-made bonds and barriers bringing all human beings into one global family tracing their genealogical origin to common parents and biological chemistry to one element, i.e. clay. Almighty God has laid down in the Holy Qur’an, “O Mankind, We have created you from a male and a female.” (49: 13) This establishment of absolute equality on the basis of their ancestral origin and biological composition removes all artificial differences between man and man.

 The enforcement of the concept of Muslim brotherhood is the greatest social ideal of Islam. Islam places emphasis on unity and unifies mankind on the basis of one God, one Book - the Qur’an, one Qibla - the Ka’aba and one leader - the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Noble Prophet’s mission was to establish unity and peace throughout the world. The Islamic concept of unity transcends all other forms of unity based on territory, geographical boundary, linguistic and ethnic affinity. He united Muslims on the basis of faith, which is the Oneness of God, Islam.

 On this vital concept was based the Prophet’s sermon in his last pilgrimage, which shows that Islam cannot be completely practiced until this ideal is achieved. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) unified and cemented the Muslim Ummah under the banner of La ilaha illallah Muhammadur-Rasoolullah by establishing the first-ever Islamic state in Madina, which later on took the shape of a grand Caliphate. Under the Caliphate the Muslim Ummah was unified and integrated. Thus the first concept of universal and worldwide unity was demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad more than fourteen hundred years ago having been guided and inspired by God for establishing unity and peace in the world.

 Islam is essentially a community and group-oriented religion. So, the practical lesson in unity and equality first starts within the family, then in the neighbourhood, especially through the institution of five daily prayers in the mosque and still on a larger scale in the locality, during weekly Friday prayers, and then in much larger gatherings in the two Eid prayers and ultimately in the international or global gathering during Hajj. This very characteristic and feature of Islam demonstrates the universality of this religion and its heavenly origin which transcends all worldly barriers of race, colour, class and nationality.

Pilgrimage is the best occasion to bind again the loose threads, tighten them on the basis of belief and in the presence of God and frustrate the nefarious machinations of the enemies of the Ummah’s unity.

 Another aspect of Hajj is making sacrifice in the way of God for the cause of Islam. As Islam itself is a religion of sacrifice, its different pillars also contain the same features and characteristics. It is a known fact that the Islamic or Hijra calendar starts with the month of Muharram and ends with the month of Hajj. The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, is the month of sacrifice – a sacrifice made by the grandson of Muhammad, Hussain ibn Ali, who laid down his life at Kufa in the cause of Islam and its ideals. Similarly, the 12 months of the Hijra calendar, the month of Hajj, marks the remembrance of the sacrifice made by the Prophet Ibrahim for the sake of God and His Pleasure.

The Patriarch, the first Prophet of monotheistic religion, Islam, the Prophet Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his most loved one for the sake of God. He loved his only son, Ismail, more than anything else. God asked him to sacrifice Ismail. Ibrahim was going to sacrifice Ismail, in the way of God by His Order. The Holy Qur’an explains the story of Ibrahim and his son Ismail thus:

 Then when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: “O my son; I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice. Now say what is your view.” (The son) said: “O my father; do as you are commanded; you will find me, if God so wills, one practising patience and constancy.” So when they had both submitted their wills (to God), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, “O Ibrahim; you have already fulfilled the vision; thus indeed do We reward those who do right.” (37:102-105) The Qur’an says: “And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice.” (37:107)

The sacrifices made by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail for the love of God left an indelible imprint on the history of mankind. This sacrifice is still remembered and re-enacted during Hajj. Ibrahim left a glorious record of sacrifice to please God.

In modern times, sacrifice is symbolised by an act of slaughtering a camel, cow or lamb for the sake of God during the days of Eid-al Adha, i.e. starting after the Eid prayer till the sunset on the third day of Eid. Sacrifice is a strongly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet and was introduced in the second year after Hijra. The purpose of sacrifice is to remind oneself of the great sacrifice of Ibrahim.

 The sacrifice of life and wealth in the way of God is the zenith of a man’s belief. God says: “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, of a truth God knows it well.” (Al-Qur’an 3:92) This means that when something, which has been held so dear, is sacrificed in the way of God one may hope to secure God’s Pleasure. The verse tells us that to attain righteousness one has to sacrifice things, but to attain it in perfection one has to sacrifice things, dearer to one.

 Every sacrifice and every effort is to be aimed at seeking God’s Pleasure. That God be pleased with us is the real capital of our lives and it is to win this pleasure that everything should be sacrificed. In the words of the Qur’an: “Surely my prayers and my sacrifice, my life and my death is for God alone, the Lord of the Universe.”

In the modern age, the pilgrims, when they start their journey to Makkah for performing Hajj with only two white sheets on their bodies leaving behind their wives, children, kith and kin and their wealth and properties, they practically exemplify their act of sacrifice for the love of God.

 Hajj is the greatest training and practical demonstration of the spirit of sacrifice and the spirit of Jihad in the way of God. It shows that Islam does not end with giving some utopian ideals for the human life. It is not only a religion; it is the guidance for the whole mankind to shape their lives in this world and hereafter. That’s why God makes provision for the teaching and training of humankind in every quality through practical implementation.

 

 

 

Thursday, 27 March 2025

What to Do Toward the End of the Month of Ramadan

 What to do toward the end of the

month of Ramadan

 Dr. Mozammel Haque

The blessed month is approaching to the end; only a few days and nights remain. Today is Thursday, 27 Ramadan corresponding to 27th of March, 2025. 

It is reported that millions of worshippers filled the Grand Mosque in Makkah and Madinah on the 27th night of Ramadan, considered by many to be Laylatul Qadr, a blessed night on the Islamic calender.

An Interview with Dr. Ahmad

 ibn Saifuddin Turkestani

I have already mentioned in my last week column the importance and significance of the last ten days and nights of the month of Ramadan. What I am going to write in today’s column seems to be repetition of the same but it is not. It is actually an interview carried out a few years ago with a renowned Islamic scholar, Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin al-Turkistani. He was a Professor at the Imam Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As early as early 80’s when the Saudi Television started the Second Channel in English, there used to be an Islamic programme entitled “Islam In Focus” run by Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin every Friday just after the Jumah Prayer. It was very popular to the English knowing immigrants, particularly in Jeddah, Hejaz. I was one of them. I had the opportunity to meet him in London when he came here at the Saudi Cultural Bureau, London. I conducted an interview with him at the last week of the month of Ramadan a few years ago.

 “This is one of the days that we are so much happy to live, to observe. Today is Friday and Friday is the best day the Sun has ever risen on and today is one of the days of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the master of the months. This is a month of blessings, favours on us. We should be thankful to Allah the Almighty for what he has given us. We are many others deprived of not enjoying the mercy of the month of Ramadan. So Alhamdolillah. Alhamdolillah, Alhamdolillah,” said Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani.



Lailatul Qadr

Narrating the blessing of this month of Ramadan, Professor Turkistani said, “This night is so much blessed. The Angels will come down and will bring blessings and Allah Subhanahu wa Taala will forgive anyone who is committed to Allah on that night reciting the Glorious Qur’an, engage in prayer, doing all the good deeds that a person can do. Even if you stay awake all the night it’s worth it. When the last ten days come on his own life, the Prophet peace be upon him would avoid sleep during the nights of the last ten days. And he would stay away from his wives only concentrating on Ibadah. It’s worth it.”

“It is nine days or ten days for more than 83 years what a bargain. Why can you not use it brothers and sisters. This is what Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has promised us.  This stays  until Fajr; until the coming dawn; so we shall be very much interested in this. Anyone who misses that he is a deprived one. Deprived. We shall not be deprived of this great prize, a great opportunity,” said Professor Turkistani.

 What a blessing! What a gift!

Professor Turkistani also mentioned what a bargain it is. He said, “Just say a one good thing:  SubhanAllah Alhamdo lillah La ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar.  It is like you have done for 83 years and 4 months. What a blessing; what a gift that is given to us this opportunity the biggest bargain. I do not see any bargain better than that. You see that? Even when people bargain, they go to stores and markets and online trying to buy the best thing that they need and they dream of. They say ouh; this is the biggest bargain; no, wallahe, the bargain is Lailatul Qadr. This is the biggest bargain.”

Professor Turkistani urged people “Please do not let it go away without cashing as much as you can; devote the rest of the time for Ibadah; because that will affect the rest of your life. It should, if you surely coming towards Allah with Taubah from your heart, from inside, then Allah will accept you, Insha Allah and then Insha Allah, you would be happy for the rest of your life. You would be guided on the straight path. So you keep on the truck until you meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. This is the time and that’s why Allah Subhanahu wa Taala promises that you stand with imaan and Ihtesab. imaan believing in Allah and believing in His Rewards and Ihtesaban seeking the rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala alone; not from any one else and all your previous sins are forgiven. You fast the month of Ramadan all your previous sins are forgiven if again if you stand up in Salah during all the month of Ramadan and you should do it out of Imaan and Ihtesab and all your previous sins are forgiven.”

Zakat-ul-Fitr

Professor Turkistani mentioned the first of those Ibadah is the Zakat-ul-Fitr.  He said, “Zakat-ul-Fitr is the source of purification and feeding of the poor and the needy. It is a source of purification for yourself in case you have committed some sins and who amongst us has not committed something wrong in the month of Ramadan or any other time and it is something to feed the poor and the needy.”

How Zakat-ul-Fitr is estimated? Enquired Professor Turkistani and promptly answered, “It is estimated Soa as in the Hadith of Abu Sayeed al-Khudri (RA) follow the Rasoolullah peace be upon him. He gave examples, all these types of food. So it means that we should give Zakat-ul-Fitr in food, not in money. I know that Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimullah) said it is permissible to do in money but the Prophet peace be upon him and the Companions did not give Zakat-ul-Fitr in money. They gave it in food. They could have given in money; they would pay Zakat-ul-Maal or any type of Zakah from wealth, from money. Zakat-ul-Fitr again so that the poor and the needy have not to seek on the day of Eid, they should be happy; they should enjoy with the rest of the Muslim community. That’s why, we should have to give it in food.”

Again, Professor Turkistani enquired, “How do we do it?” and answered, “Well, lets seek the poor and the needy in our community. If we have someone we know who is in need we shall give Zakat-ul-Fitr to these people. If we do not know people, then we shall give the money to the trusted charities and organisations that collect the money, buy the food and give it to the poor and the needy on your behalf. If not in this country; if this country would not  have poor people to the extent that they can be receiving Zakat-ul-Fitr, there are many people up there, in Africa, Asia and throughout the Muslim World who need this food who cannot buy who stay at night starving.”

Now today the situation is worse in Gaza and Palestine than any other place in the planet. But few years ago when I interviewed Dr. Turkistani the situation in Syria was very bad. That’s why he mentioned, “In Syria, for example, as you have heard from your brothers, telling you that the Ulema in that country in their Fatwa people eat cats and rats because they do not have the food to eat. Situations because of the war going on in Syria; and the same thing with other people who are starving and do not have the food. This is the way to express your own sympathy with your brothers. This is something that you need to do and Zakat-ul-Fitr is a must. It’s not a choice and it is for everyone in the household, everyone. Even those who think they are poor; if they have a food for a day and a night, they should give out Zakat-ul-Fitr. If they have enough for one day, they should give Zakah to other poor people and the needy people and that would be a Saa,” said Professor Turkistani in his Khutba (Sermon).

How that would be translated into today’s measurement? Professor Turkistani asked and promptly replied, “It would be about two kilogram and a quarter. If you pay three kilograms of any types of food, rice, dates, barley, anything that people eat, which is an edible thing; something they can keep and preserve. You cannot give out, in meat, for example, or something that can be immediately consumed; cooked food, for example. It has to be a food that the poor and the needy can save and can prepare their own meals. For everyone in the household, young or old, male or female, the newly born, anyone born before the sun set of the last day of the month of Ramadan has to be given Zakat-ul-Fitr and it is the responsibility of the head of the household; those who spent is the man who is earning and even if it is the woman who is earning and spending in the family then it is their responsibility to pay.”

When shall we pay it? Professor Turkistani again enquired and said, “Not until before Eid day; at least two days before Eid and it shall be given out before Salat-ul-Eid, otherwise it would not be Zakat-ul-Fitr; it would be sadaqah. And it would not do its purpose unless it is done and given to the poor and the needy so that they can go for the Eid prayer and happy. They feel that they have enough and they can share with the Muslim community. Nice occasion and celebrate Eid along with them.”

Think about the people of Gaza and Palestine who became homeless due to Israeli war. Help those people with whatever you have and whatever you can give either food, clothes, material and donations. At this stage, this charity, this donation is most important and they deserve to have your Zakat, alms-giving and charity.

Takbeer

That was for Zakat-ul-Fitr. The second form of Ibadah is Takbeer. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “It is a Sunnah to do Takbeer starting from the Maghreb of the night of Eid until Eid prayer. How do we say, what do we say? Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar walillahe wal Hamd. Any form of Takbeer is good to announce this and to obey Allah Subhanahu wa Taala as Allah said so you shall complete the number of days fasting and announce Takbeer. That’s why it is Sunnah to do Takbeer from the Maghreb to the Salat-ul-Eid in congregation. You say on yourself, you say it among Muslims, you say in the Masjid, in the house, anywhere wherever it is possible to pronounce loudly just to inform Muslims around you that this is the time of praising Allah and celebrate Eid.”

Salat-ul-Eid

The third form of Ibadah during the end of the month of Ramadan is Salat-ul-Eid. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “We need to come to Salat-ul-EidSalat-ul-Eid is an obligation upon the whole community, but for every individual it is something strongly recommended. Some people choose to sleep on the morning of Eid and miss the prizes because during the day of Eid as people are coming to the prayer the Angels are standing at the doors giving prizes. You wouldn’t see them but belief me, if you have done well in the month of Ramadan you receive prize on the day of Eid. That’s why it is important to come to Eid prayer and to receive the prize and look and see that prize on the day of Eid. So on the Eid, take complete bath and then wear the must you have, put on perfume for man, but not for woman because you will attract the opposite gender, and then come to Salatul Eid to attend and celebrate with the rest of the community Eid. Everyone, man and woman, young or old, shall come to Eid prayer; without exception, even women who are having the menstruation. But they should avoid area of prayer, area of musalla. But they should come and be among the community to enjoy this occasion along with the rest of the Muslims. This is the third Ibadah.”

Fasting is prohibited on Eid Day

Fasting is prohibited on the day of Eid. “We need to break on the day of Eid of fast because it is prohibited to fast on the day of Eid,” said Professor Turkistani and added, “It is a gift from Allah and we shall receive it and how do we break we break it with date, one or three or five or more, eat single or odd number of dates on the day of Eid in your home before you come out. And it is Sunnah to go from one way and to return another way in order to meet as many people and to greet them on the day of Eid. Eid is the day of forgiveness, a day when you really forgive those who have done wrong to you. This is the time to show forgiveness and Allah who give you forgiveness in return.”

 

Catch These Special Deeds Before End of Ramadan - Professor Ibn Saifuddin

 Catch These Special Deeds Before Ramadan

Lailatul Qadr – Night of Honour

Talk by Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkestani

Dr. Mozammel Haque

 [From Previous Issue]

In this part, I know there are only few days and nights left of the blessed month of Ramadan, but still there is  important night, the 29 nights of the blessed month of Ramadan that could be the Lailatul Qadr. Who knows, Allah knows better. That’s why, I am again repeating what Dr Saifuddin said about the importance and significance of Lailatul Qadr, How can we catch it? Taubah Rependence; What we have to do: To be involved into More Ibadah and to be closer to Allah: Make Qur’an Your Friend. This is why Dr. Saifuddin Turkistani said in his talk four years ago. So I am going to explain one after another in his words a) Lailatul Qadr; b) Taubah Repentence; c) To be involved More in Ibadah and d) Make Qur’an our Friend.

 About the Talk

Professor Dr. Ahmad bin Saifuddin Turkestani gave a talk on “Catch These Special Deeds Before Ramadan”  four years ago on 15 Ramadan 1441 Hijri at the Islamic Centre for Kuwait (ICK) on an invitation of an organiser. Addressing the gatherings and audience Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin said, “Brothers and Sisters, I am inviting to a very special meeting - very special one at a very special time – special day, i.e. Friday.” He thanked the organiser  at ICK – the Islamic Centre for Kuwait – because they had trust and interest.

About Dr Turkistani

I want to repeat here again to introduce him. Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkestani is a professor in the College of Media and Communication at the Imam Muhammad Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was also Former Head of Cultural Affairs  Section at the Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom and worked as Director at the Institute of Islamic Studies and Arabic Sciences in Washington under the Ministry of Higher Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The talk was delivered four years ago in 1441 A.H. That’s why I have to edit it.

Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin said that half of the month have passed but the forthcoming days are no less than what “we have passed; in fact, the second half is precious and greater opportunities for the Muslims in the month of Ramadan.”

 Though Dr Turkistani talked about the last ten days and nights – the Lailatul Qadr – a few years ago, still the significance and importance of Lailatul Qadr remains the same and will be the same in the coming days and years. That’s why, I thought I must mention what he said about Lailatul Qadr.

Lailatul Qadr

Speaking about the last ten days and nights of the month of Ramadan, Professor Ahmad mentioned about Lailatul Qadr. He explained the importance and significance of this night first. He said, “Let me say that these ten days contain Lailatul Qadr – Lailatul Qadr is the Night, is the Night of the Revelation of the Glorious Qur’an. It is the night that if anyone is accepted in their worship and in their dua and coming forward towards Allah, it would have, wishes of Allah, for 83 years, to be exact, 83 years and four months. The 1000 months – 1000 months imagine. And this is exactly the same – the Glorious Qur’an, let me recite Suratul Qadr. To know the significance of this night.

Night of Honour & Prestige

Professor Ahmad continued: “This is the night of Honour & Prestige and the saver, which was revealed the Glorious Qur’an in this night and Allah says oma adraka lailatul Qadr Are you in this night? Lailatul  Qadr Alf-e-Sahr, not only you will worship in this night –this particular time – amount of time – which can be found in one night during nine night or ten nights in the last ten days of the month of Ramadan. So if you are very fortunate, if you catch this night before it is over, you will never know whether you would be here in or none of us. Nobody is certain that they would be here again next year or the year after – although we asked Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala long life in the worship of HIM Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. But that’s catch the moment.”

 After reciting the Suratul Qadr, Professor explained the greater opportunity lies in that night the Night of Lailatul Qadr. He said, “Lets take the opportunity – kairum min Alf-e Sahr better than 1000 months– Subhanallah – it is like you devoting your life 83 years and 4 months in the worship of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala a accepting all the good things – the great opportunities and for some reason it was hidden. We don’t know exactly which night it is. Yes; some scholars, even Ibn Abbas (R.A.) it is the night of 27; but you know with calendars and not knowing for certain which night Ramadan is and there is in different months in different countries and localities when Ramadan started; nonetheless we will say that it is for certain in the ten nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Sure; so if we get it ourselves this; this night from the beginning from the 20th day, because as you know the night precedes day; so when we say 21st, it means it is on the 20th night; means 20th day; so 5 days from now. We can have that opportunity, Insha Allah. To catch this night.”

 How can we catch it? Taubah Repentance

Dr Ahmad ibn Saifuddin asked: “How can we catch it? That’s the question. It is what you call it one billion Hasanat question. Yes, indeed. How can we catch it?” and he quickly answered, “First we have to do certain things. I advise myself and my brothers and sisters to do this. We need it to catch it starting it from Taubah.  Repentance is very essential. Before we get into worship we need to cleanse our heart. We need to receive the barakah the mercy and the blessings of this night and to be in a good situation to receive all the good in it by coming forward towards away from everything that we have done that in the past. We need to come forward to receive the blessings. And that comes only through Taubah. Taubah from everything that we did in the past; to be determined not to do it again. Not to get involve into wrong doings, although we know the nature of human beings.”

“As soon as we remember we come back just as Ibrahim peace be upon him. He comes back time after time towards Allah. We need to renew our intention every time in order to come closer and closer to Allah and to stay away from all bad things. We may fall in that human beings commit wrong things. But the most Allah loves those who repent every time.  In the Hadith: Those who make mistakes and repent Allah loves them because they come to Allah if they commit mistakes; they do wrongs they come back to Allah. That is a key brothers and sisters. That is the key to repent to Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala; repent sincerely from the bottom of your heart and ready for ten nights and beyond. It is just only the start. Let’s renew. Allah has given the opportunity – to live to this moment and to come Insha Allah – to the end of Ramadan. If that is the case then we are very fortunate,” said Professor Ahmad Saifuddin.

Dr. Ahmad Saifuddin reminded that many people wanted to come back and wanted to do good deeds. He said, “How many people are under the ground wishing to come back and to do something good but are not able to do it. So we need to do that. So Taubah is very very important and very significant; if you have done something wrong against anyone; like taking their rights; like taking their money, their wealth, violating their honour; you are thinking you want to come back; you want to think is it possible; we tried to rectify situations. You have done something wrong you correct it now – Taubah is the way. Allah loves those who can; Allah loves those who repent.”

Involve into More Ibadah:

How do you do it

Professor Ahmad Saifuddin then mentioned about Ibadah and Night Prayer and Reading Qur’an. He said, “Secondly, starting from the first night, the 21st night which precedes the 20th day of Ramadan to get involve into more Ibadah. How do you do it? Well just like in the Hadith, When Ayesha (Radhi Anha) said: ‘When it is the ten days Prophet peace be upon him wake up and stay up all night; also in their house, they stay away from intimacy. This is not a time for intimacy; time for Allah  Subhanahu Wa Taala for your own benefit. It is a time we need to devote for Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala in order to be trained; in order to love this and what is better than to stand before Allah – Salah – standing before Allah; recite the Glorious Qur’an; doing Taraweeh, doing Tahajjud; although it’s the same – Tahajjud is the same word for Qiyam. Qiyam is for the first part of the night, second part of the night or the last part of the night. People have come to Taraweeh the early part of the night. Someone told Ibn Umar the importance of standing up at night; Abdullah ibn Umar after knowing the significance of the Qiyam al-Lail, he never left Qiyam-al-Lail at any night of the year. You can do it at any night – no exception.”

 “But try to make it like starting point for you every night as much as you can. Read two Rakaats, then you get tired. No take it easy. Take step by step; train yourself and you will love it. I know from the stories of righteous people. It is possible for them to do Qiyam even on travel; when they were travelling on train, or at airport.” He mentioned.

“So Lets make this Ramadan a beginning  to stay and pray at night – never miss a night prayer even if it is two rakaats, or four rakaats – whatever is possible for you; wake up last part of the night, its better; even half an hour before the Azan to Allah,” said Dr. Ahmad Saifuddin and added, “By the way, meet Allah if you will closer to him and strive to do that. Once you do it, you are waiting for some one to see it who stands up in night for prayer and they make Istaqfar at Sahoor time, which is before dawn, before Fajr.”

 Second Part

In this part Professor Turkestani discussed mainly on the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and Itikaf.

To be closer to Allah

Professor Turkestani said, So we get involved in this night in prayer, in recitation of the Qur’an, in dua, in being kind to people around us within the family, to the neighbours, to outside to the world, just to say good word, be nice, be kind, be generous, just like Prophet peace be upon him, so generous all time; even he was more generous in the month of Ramadan. So these are the good deeds; Sometimes we may say well we have done our prayer; what? Be versified; try to make different kinds of worship. I can read a book on Sirah; I can read a book on the interpretation of the Qur’an. That’s part of worship. That’s part of the righteous deeds. It has not to be recitation of the Glorious Qur’an all times.”

 My recommendations:

Make Qur’an Your Friend

Professor Ahmad emphasized, “Though my recommendations for myself and for you is to be as close as much to the Glorious Qur’an; be with the Qur’an at all times; make Qur’an your friend, very close friend- where you enjoy to be always being together; its take time, be attachment. Again like Salah, you feel much attached to the Glorious Qur’an. So we need to do that and nothing better than to recite the Qur’an in prayers. So in prayers you are joining two things – praying and you are reciting the Glorious Qur’an at the same time. I recommend reading the Glorious Qur’an, particularly during the last ten days and  nights of Ramadan this time.”

Professor Turkestani also mentioned, “Anything you feel tired or you want to take rest. Yes rest and listen to the Glorious Qur’an. Even listening to it is good. Nowadays some books – audio books for example, have the interpretation. There are some trusted Islamic audio books – I recommend to read that Book of Alushr Alakheer,  the the Heart of Qur’an because it is a great book.” This book is available on the net  –emphasizing the point – Tawheed – That’s the cornerstone of Islam.

Tawheed – cornerstone of Islam

Speaking about Tawheed, Professor Ahmad Saifuddin said, “The cornerstone of Islam is Tawheed – is to sing with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala not to take partners – not to associate anyone, anything with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. That’s the basis – in fact, the Qur’an and the Sunnah is all about this. Even the start, the Qur’an see the discussion and the dialogue among the Prophets and there we will find they are always talking about Tawheed and devoting yourself to Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala, not to associate partners, not to take anyone, not to worship or dua or supplication. Your tawakkul or your dependency on Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala – everything you do for worship towards Allah and get it from Allah asking help; the thing no one else will be able to do it except by asking Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. That is the essence of it.

When we do it? Can we do it in odd nights?

Professor Turkestani enquired: When we do it? Can we do it in odd nights? And immediately replied, “Yes, You can do it in odd nights. There is much opportunity in the Lailatul Qadr, in the last ten part of the month of Ramadan. They alternate. According to the scholars of Islam, Lailatul Qadr does not stay on every night on every year, on 27th or even on the odd nights. It could be coming on the even nights; it could come on any night; it could be even on the first night of the last ten days or the last one. Allah knows. We don’t know. So the best thing is to seek it during last ten nights from the beginning of the last ten days and until the end of them and Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala for good reason, kept it hidden.”

 “Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam was told that which night it is of the month. When he came out, the Companions were going to tell them about that. But two persons were quarrelling. There were discussions and they got involved into these terrible discussions so Prophet Peace be upon him forgot. And he said Subhanallah. I was about to tell you; but I forgot as soon as I came out and found out two people were quarrelling,” Dr. Ahmad Saifuddin mentioned.

 Lailatul Qadr is hidden:

Wisdom of Allah the Almighty

He also said, “So quarrel is not good. Even if you have a right, try not to quarrel but to convince people nicely and calmly. If they do not accept it, it is upto them. You don’t go to force it; you don’t need to shout. The reason why the Lailatul Qadr is hidden; it’s good. It’s for a good reason; it has wisdom of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. To hide it in order for us to get more, to seek, even if, suppose that we have in 27th of Ramadan, we can still do some good in the other nights because the more good you do you are; you are not catching Lailatul Qadr; however you should be keen, you must be very to do this; that’s the very important and significant in that sense much interested.”

 Itikaf

Speaking about Itikaf in this special circumstances Covid-19 Pandemic, Professor Ahmad Saifuddin said, “Coming to worship, that cannot be done nowadays in the special term or sense which is Itikaf because Itikaf is done in the Masjid. However, according to some scholars, if you have a place for worship devoted a part of your house to the worship – such as a place for women to pray, away from the noise and from the other rooms where people are in and out, then you could make Itikaf; it is permissible. Sheikh Saad al-Fatri gave this Fatwa recently this month saying that it is permissible for a person or it is possible for a man or any member of the family to seclude themselves to make Itikaf in their own place of prayer. Not in any corner of the house, not in your bedroom, not in your reception or saloon or whatever. No; only in the place where it is devoted and specialised for offering the Salah. If that is a case you can do it.”

 Stay away from TV and Social Media

Professor Turkestani said about the value of time in these ten days and night. He said, “Lets say, I would take Itikaf in the general sense, which is to in isolation, a time you need to come back to yourself to reflect, to stay away from noise of children and homes and whatever happened to you and to come towards Allah in recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and in the dua and in just contemplating your life and in planning for your future. Stay away especially in the last ten days and we need to make fasting from two things: first from television and secondly from social media. They take your time; they steal your time and you should be very very cautious not to let you to do that; turn on TV and watch – things will take us from one programme to another and so on and so forth and you find you lost so much time. And the same social media. Social media is helpful if you can use it just only for contact; see that is very very important; so we need to stay away from that in order of time day and night for these ten nights, especially as I said as per general sense of itikaf.”

First Published in Ramadan 1441 Hijri