Allah has made certain times of the day superior to others, as well as certain months when compared to others. Interestingly though some scholars have even debated times which are virtuous in of themselves against others. One discussion is the topic of Jumu’ah Night being superior to Lailatul Qadr. Al-Imam Abu Ya’la Muhammad ibn Hussain Al-Hanbali (458H) detailed this topic in an essay which I will analyze here in this article.
Abu Ya’la mentioned that Abul Hasan At-Tamimi (371H) said , “ Friday night is better than Lailatul Qadr.”[1] Other scholars as well from the Hanbali Jurists who held the same view were, Abul Hasan Al-Kharazi, Ibn Battah and Umar ibn Ahmed.
There are many texts which these great Imams and scholars used to support their opinion. Some them are;
The Prophet (ﷺ) said it was the best of the week.
The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged us the send Salutations on Him during Friday night and the day.
The Day of Judgement will take place on Friday.
There is an hour on Jumu’ah when supplication is answered.
Dying on Friday protects one against the grave punishment.
These are the base texts that Imam Abu Ya’la mentioned in his defense, while some the texts mentioned were based on weak hadith, there were others that carried the same meanings and are authentic.
Those who oppose this view use the following as their basis in their argument that Lailatul Qadr is superior to Jumu’ah night.
Allah said: “ Lailatul Qadr is better than a 1,000 months.”[Al-Qadr 1]
The 1st response to this ayah was a hadith which states it was revealed for a certain reason, as there was a man from Bani Israel who wore a weapon around his waist fighting in Allah’s path for a 1,000 months. The companions were amazed at this man’s sincerity; thus, Allah revealed the verse. This story is weak and it’s mentioned with a chain of Mursal status by Al-Bayhaqi in his sunnan, vol 4, pg 306.
The second reply to this verse is a weak argument that states the verse implies a 1,000 months without Friday as a weekday. While Qatadah said, it means a 1,000 months void of Lailatul Qadr.[2]
Abu Ya’la rejected the claim that it implies a month without a seven-day week, whereas the interpretation of 1,000 months without Lailatul Qadr is acceptable, since Lailatul Qadr can only happen during Ramdan. In other words, you can have 1,000 months without Lailatul Qadr, but you can’t have a complete month without a Friday Night.
The third argument is the verse, “Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments .[Ad-Dukhan :4]. This is Lailatul Qadr.
Abu Ya’la claims that although some say it’s inferred to apply to Lailatul Qadr, other scholars hold it to refer to the 15th of Sha’ban. Plus, the issue here isn’t the verse that highlight what takes place during that night, but rather to shed light on the virtue of this night.
There is virtue mentioned for Lailatul Qadr in itself and among them are;
The Quran was revealed to the lowest of Heavens that night.
Standing during its night allows one to become absolved of his minor sins.[3]
The year’s affair is decreed up until the next Lailatul Qadr.
It is a night of peace without any movement of Satan.
Allah said: seek that which Allah has ordained for you…[Al-Baqarah:187] Ibn Abbas said this is Lailtul Qadr.[4]
These 5 arguments point to the virtue of Lailatul Qadr’s high status in of itself, yet it doesn’t provide a strong argument to support that Lailatul Qadr is better than Jumu’ah night. When compared to other nights of the week then Friday night is the best night to die. Reason being, you will be safeguarded against the punishment of the grave.
Those who defend Lailatul Qadr as being higher in rank than Friday night is the fact, we are prohibited to single out Friday night as night to stand, or do certain other acts or worship like fast.
This argument is a good argument with some ground. Although, Imam Abu Ya’la’s reply was that just because we are prohibited from doing certain acts of worship doesn’t decrease the value and superiority of the time, or the day. For example, we are prohibited from praying after Asr and Fajr and these are the best hours of the day. We are prohibited from Fasting on the two Eids, and the Days of Tashreeq and these days are better than others.
The prohibition of standing during Friday night could be imposed, so we would not miss the Jumu’ah prayer and the prohibition of fasting could be so we don’t miss the chance to have relations with our spouse and take a Ghusl before the prayer. Moreover, the prohibition to fast on Jumu’ah could be the same ruling applied to the two Eids, as Friday is the weekly Eid.
Nevertheless, both sides have a legitimate argument. Hence, it is incorrect for one to say that the opposing side is wrong and their position is right. Though the virtue of Friday is clearer cut and specified in a timeframe for any and everyone. This also includes the living and the deceased. On the other hand, Lailtul Qadr isn’t.
Friday is a recurring day. For that reason its virtue only multiplies when compared to one night. This is similar to a man to who died and the Prophet(ﷺ) considered him more virtuous compared to one who remained on earth; as he was unaware of the man’s deeds. Then He (ﷺ) was asked didn’t you use to say that so and so was better than he was?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, where is so and so compared to such and such in regards to the prayer, fasting, and charity.”[5]
In conclusion, the other man’s rank was elevated due to him doing recurring acts of worship. Regularly, praying this is daily. Regularly fasting this can be done 3 days month, every other day, or twice a week. Regularly giving charity and there is no time frame on its description. While Lailtul Qadr is only once a year and Allah knows best.
The Prophet (ﷺ ) was exposed to the greatness of this night and honored about it by Allah as being a blessed night ;as there was a man from Bani Israel who wore a weapon for 1000 months fighting in Allah’s path. Hence, Allah gave Muhammad’s ummah the ability to spend the shortest period of time with the fewest number of deeds. He (تعالى)said:
1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)2. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?3. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees,5. Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.
Its said the meaning of Al-Qadr is to have a high status and others have said it means decree. Both of these meanings are correct. The night of Qadr has a high status. It is the time and place when the affairs are decided for every year. Allah says in the Quran.
We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a blessed night Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].4. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments.
1000 months is equivalent to more than 83 years, so if a person stands that night, then it would be as if he stood for 83 years or worship, and without a doubt this is something worth striving for diligently. The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most diligent of people in striving to stand laylatul Qadr.
He would also perform ‘itikaf in the masjid separating himself from all the various duties and worldly affairs due to laylatul Qadr.He (ﷺ) said:
Whoever stands the night of Qadr with faith anticipating Allah’s reward then his previous sins will be forgiven.
It’s worth noting here that the special traits of this night are that Allah has honored humanity with it by sending down the light of guidance, and removing the darkness of misguidance, and the spirituality of Revelation. Consequently, He((تعالى gave life through this night to the hearts(of the believers) to perform righteous deeds and everything that revives the Muslims on earth through sending the Angels and Jibril. This is all mentioned in the Surah. It is as if Allah pointing to the that fact that had He stopped sending Jibril with revelation to the Prophet then this wouldn’t have stopped what is found in that night. This night renews everything that has been eroded in one’s faith.
By Allah’s decree revelation and legislation were sent to mankind; so by Allah’s will the affairs of everything are decided and the yearly plan is laid out for all the people on earth. During this night the angels fill the sky for every Muslim offering them peace. The whole world on that night is rejoicing when the flags of peace, goodness and safety flutter over it.
This gives the Muslims the right to call the entire world to our religion. It has a message from our Prophet(ﷺ) to them. The religion of Islam carries a message of peace which renews its covenant with its lord every year.
This is what Muhammed(ﷺ) invited his ummah to do on that night. The message of peace. It’s a fact by worship, performing Itikaf , then refraining from harming others, and working diligently in everything that pleases Allah. We are fasting during the day and we are standing during the night. At the same time the Angels are sending us peace.
It is a unique picture, and uplifting in its subject matter. Whoever misses its bounty and is deprived of its goodness has wronged himself. It was explained to Aisha what to say in the event she reaches that night. He (ﷺ) said say :
(O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me).
This supplication in a just few words. It combines all goodness miraculously. The one who is given the pardon is given it in his body, soul, his judgement and account, thus he is victorious by attaining the happiness in both worlds.
Muhammed (ﷺ) made it clear to his companions that its occurrence is in the odd nights of the last 10 during Ramadan. There is no need to go into detail in specifying the one night which it may occur. In every odd night there is a text that clearly states it, so for this reason it is safe to say that in every year it changes. In one year, it could be on the 27th. In another year it could be on the 25th, the 23rd, or even on the 21st night. The Prophet(ﷺ) regularly maintained ‘itikaf in the last ten nights seeking laylatul Qadr.[1]
[1] مجموع الرسائل المديني vol 1, pg 157-158 by Sheikh Attiya Muhammed Salim(1420H)
Taraweeh from the Prophet’s Masjid to Times Square: Progression or Regression
Taraweeh from the Prophet’s Masjid to Times Square: Progression or Regression
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
The legislated of acts of worship in their periods of time, place and description have been delivered to us by the Prophet (ﷺ). His lifetime was the period of legislation. Allah (تعالى ( said : And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it).[1] And fear Allâh; verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. Along with this verse is the era of the four rightly guided Caliphs; Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (رضي الله عنهم). Muhammad (ﷺ) said: So hold fast to my Sunnah and the examples of the Rightly- Guided Caliphs who will come after me. Adhere to them and hold to it fast. Beware of new things (in Deen) because every Bid’ah is a misguidance”. This verse and hadith direct us to how we must practice our acts of worship by following the examples of the Prophet (ﷺ) and His companions.
The Tarawih prayer is a specific act of worship legislated in Ramadan by the Prophet(ﷺ). In fact, another name for it is Qiyamu Ramadhan. The description of this prayer is reported by Aisha (رضي الله عنها) : Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) did not offer more than eleven (voluntary) Rak’at during Ramadan nor during other than Ramadan. He offered four Rak’at – Do not ask about their beauty and length! (It is beyond description or imitation]. Again he would pray four Rak’at – Do not ask about their beauty and length! [It is beyond description or imitation]. Then he would pray three (Rak’at of Witr). ‘Aishah (Radi Allahu anha) said: “I said, O Allah’s Messenger will you sleep before you pray Witr?” He said, “O ‘Aishah my eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.”[1]
The Prophet (ﷺ) loved this prayer and mentioned that offering it with the Imam until he finishes will result in your sins being forgiven. In the beginning He (ﷺ) used to pray Tarawih in the Masjid, but later on stopped out fear that it would become an obligation on us . The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out in anger and said to them: By what you have been constantly doing, I was inclined to think that it (prayer) might not become obligatory for you. So you must observe prayer (optional) in your houses, for the prayer observed by a man in the house is better except an obligatory prayer.[2] Hence, the Muslims offered The Tarawih in their houses from that era , until reign of Umar (radi Allahu anhu). Following this was the period of Uthman when Ali used to lead the Tarawih prayers for 20 nights; and during the last 10 he’d pray with his family. Sometimes Ali would perform the Qanoot in last 10 nights if he led the congregation in the Masjid. During Uthman’s period there was the practice of making Dua after completing the Quran during the Witr prayer.
When Ali (radi Allahi anhu) became the Caliph he added to this act of worship two Imams; one for the men and another for the women. ‘Arfajah was the Imam for the Women during Tarawh. Another point worth mentioning here is that they offered 23 Rakat for their Tarawih prayers up until the time of Umar ibn Abdil Aziz. During the time of Imam Malik he preferred 38 Rakat and 1 for Witr. The Tarawih was offered in this fashion until the 3rd century; either in the Masjid or in the homes. Next came the 5th and the 6th century whereas the people offered 20 Rakat. This took place in the Middle East, Egypt and Iraq.
In the 8th and the 9th century the Tarawih prayer resumed with 36 Rakat. When the Millennium of the Hijrah era entered 39 Rakats were prayed for Tarawih in the Prophet’s Masjid. However, during the 12th century things changed a bit and the Tarawih was performed with 20 Rakats in the first part of the night with 16 in the latter part of the night . This continued being the practice up until the end of the Ottoman Empire. Then we fast forward to the 14th century and we find that certain political institutes had separate Imams. For instance, an Imam for the King, one for the judges and aides, another for the military general, and one for the women. Now as for the today the way Tarawih is offered is clear. Nowhere in history have, we found the Tarawih prayer being offered in Musala.[3]
The scholars from the past and present are all in agreement that the Tarawih prayer is a Sunnah, yet they differ if its better to be done in the Masjid in congregation, or should it be done at home; as the best optional prayer you can offer is in your home. Abu Hanifah, some the Maliki Jurists, and Shafa’I Jurists ,along with the Hanabala Fuqaha held praying Taraweeh in the masjid is better. This is according to the guidance and practice of Umar ibn Khattab.[4] The other side of the table is the position of Imam Malik, Imam Ash-Shafa’I, Abu Yusef, that Tarawih is better offered alone ,or with the family in the house.[5] Nevertheless, it’s allowed to pray the Tarawih prayer in the house if the person isn’t lazy, and has memorized the Quran, but if not , then it’s better for him to pray with the congregation in the Masjid.[6]
Ironically, with all of this history, the texts and the statements of the scholars none ever mentioned the allowance of it being done in the Musala, similar to what we witnessed in Times Square in NY; in front of TVs, music, bright billboards, and flashing lights; all which diminish the humility and concentration your prayer. For the argument that its from the slogans of Islam, similar to the Eid, and the rain prayer which are offered in a Musala , then Sadiq Hasan Kahn detailed the issue and sided with Imam Ash-Shafa’I’s view that this prayer isn’t from that category prayers.i.e Eid, Eclipse, and rain(allowed to be offered in Musala). [7]
The Political activists, Human-Rights activists, and Social activists now argue from two angles after being unable to defend their stance that praying Tarawih in Times Square is fine.
Their first argument is its allowed to pray anywhere on the earth as long as it’s clean. This is a truthful statement mixed with deception and falsehood; perhaps to misguide others into pleasing the Liberal party. The answer is yes, it is allowed to pray anywhere except in few places. Allah’s Messenger said: “All of the earth is a Masjid except for the graveyard and the washroom.”[8] This is the allowance, yet it is restricted to the daily prayers, which allow a person to offer them outside the masjid if he misses the congregation. He (ﷺ) said: The earth is a masjid for you, so wherever you are at the time of prayer, pray there.[9] This a favor from Allah to allow us to pray wherever we are when the prayer time comes in; and then we are unable to make it to the masjid. Unlike the previous nations that had to pray in congregation in the masjids.
Consequently, if you are going to use the generality of the text without the specifics, then answer this! It’s allowed to pray anywhere so long as the earth is clean, right?! Well, what about Jumu’ah prayer is it completely unrestricted, or should it be done in the masjid? Moreover, the allowances for it to be done in the Musala are those based on certain circumstances? The crux of the matter regarding this prayer is that it is a specific prayer, in a specific time of the year (Ramadhan), performed by those better than us in their masjids ,or their homes to draw closer to Allah. Therefore, how are we going to come now in 1443H/2022 and say offering Tarawih in a Musala is a good thing? If doing such an act for Dawah to carry the propagation of Islam is a great thing then the Companions would have beaten us to it.
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected.”[10] The Muslims around the world are plagued with Bid’ah. Reason being, plenty of people believe they know better, or have an approach that hasn’t been done before; thus, will be successful. In reality, the innovation of adding to the religion is what’s taking people astray. The ignorant one sees himself as one truly awoke to the conspiracies and realities; thus the means justifies the end. Therefore, you find them taking legislated acts of worship and adding to them; hence being completed as a bid’ah. For example, its legislated to say: “Astaghfirullah”right after the prayer, but is it legislated to do it in unison with an Iman? Fasting is a legislated act of worship, so can I fast every year on my birthday to draw closer to Allah, or on the 15th of Sha’ban? The key here to understand is that acts of worship have their specific description, specific times and some have a specific place.
The 2nd anglethe Political activists, Human activists, and Social activists argue in their cobweb defense is this was a Dawah event. Are they more guided than the Prophet and His companions?! Dawah has been defined by Allah and demonstrated by the Messenger (ﷺ) Allah said: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): “This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism with sure knowledge). And Glorified and Exalted be Allâh (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh; those who worship others along with Allâh or set up rivals or partners to Allâh).”.[11]
The command in this verse is to invite other to the way of Monotheism using knowledge. Knowledge which precedes all actions. Allah said: Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.[12]
In this verse Allah instructs the preachers to use wisdom, fair preaching, and arguments which establish proofs.
Shaykhul Islam ibn Taymiyyah was asked by an activist about his approach in Dawah. He mentioned that he would go out with a music band and poets to confront those who were thieves, alcoholics, and even some who didn’t regularly pray. After a while some of them repented. Therefore, should he have continued, since the greater good was a stake? Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned numerous verses and hadith to show the man he was in error by using a method which wasn’t found in the Quran, the Sunnah or from the actions of the companions. This is all based on the Principle that, “We ONLY worship Allah by that WHICH was legislated on the tongue of Muhammad (ﷺ).[13]
Imam Bin Baz mentioned that the only way this nation can be set aright is by using the methodology that was used in the beginning of the call to Islam. Starting with Mecca, then Madinah. Whoever believes he has a different way is wrong and has lied.[14]
Shaykh Hamoud At-Tuwayjuri spoke about the method of using plays, movies and actors for Dawah. He replied this is incorrect as its not found in the Quran or the Sunnah. Second, doing so is creating a lie on Allah and His Messenger. Included in the use of actors for Dawah is adding to the religion what Allah hasn’t allowed. Using these actors is disparaging the Prophet and His companions. Were they negligent in this area of Dawah ? Allah said : Or have they partners with Allâh (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allâh has not ordained? And had it not been for a decisive Word (gone forth already), the matter would have been judged between them. And verily, for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) there is a painful torment.[15]
How and why could a Muslim leave off praying Tarawih in the Masjid, or in his home where he would be able to concentrate fully in exchange for Times Square, where dogs are passing by, images are everywhere, horns honking, and many other distractions? Why has worship become one of selfies and camera shoots ? Where is the sincerity? Let’s be mindful that the prayer is an act worship and the conditions for its acceptance are; sincerity and as legislated by the Prophet(ﷺ).
Not to mention their argument it’s a clean place, yet surrounded by sin and Satan’s soldiers. It is a consensus among the scholars that praying in the abode of Satan is disliked. Places such bars, taverns, churches, the selling of lawlessness, and where obscene acts of disobedience are rampant. [16] Abu Hurairah said :“We stopped to camp at the end of the night with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and we did not wake up until the sun had risen. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘Let each man take hold of his camel’s head (and leave), for the Shaitan was here in this place with us.’ We did that, then he called for water and performed Wudu’, then he prayed two Rak’ahs, then the Iqamah was said and he prayed Al-Ghadah (Fajr).”[17]