The Superiority of Tasbeeh 

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم 

The word SubhanAllah is a thikr that has a superior status compared of other supplications and remembrances. It represents that Allah is free from all imperfections. Imperfections like being blind, deaf, and dumb. In regards to Allah’s existence of self then it means that He is perfect in His actions. This is similar to the verse : “ And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us.”¹. Moreover, the Thikr of SubhanAllah means that Allah free from resembling His creation in any shape, form , or fashion.  

The word SubhanAllah  mentioned in the Quran has five meanings: 

1. Greatness : Allah said: Glorified is Allah! (He is Free) from what they attribute unto Him!” ² 

2. Prayer: Allah said: So bear patiently (O Muhammad ) what they say, and glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and during some of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day (an indication for the five compulsory congregational prayers), that you may become pleased with the reward which Allah shall give you.³ 

3. Voluntary prayers:  

ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يُصَلِّي سُبْحَتَهُ حَيْثُمَا تَوَجَّهَتْ بِهِ نَاقَتُهُ ‏. 

‏ Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say Nafl prayer on (the back of) his camel in whatever direction it took him.⁴  

4. Thikr : Allah said: “while we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.” He (Allah) said: “I know that which you do not know.”⁵ 

5. General Worship of Allah : Allah said: Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,. He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection.⁶ 

The word SubhanAllah is mention in the Quran various verb tenses. Among them is the past tense, command, and the  present continuous. Along with this there are some chapters in the Quran that open up iwht this Thikr. The previous Prophets and Messengers knew about the superiority of saying SubhanAllah. Nuh advised his son to say it. Musa said it to Allah . Dawud used it and Allah advised Zakiriyah to use it. Following this Yunus and Prophet Muhammed both used SubhanAllah as Dua. When used as a Dua then there are eight times when it should be said.  

1. At the beginning of the prayer 

2. In the voluntary prayer when the words “Subhanah” are read. I.e when verses 26-27 are read from Al-Anbiya.  

3. When a person isnt able to read the Quran during the prayer. 

4. To catch the Imam’s attention when he’s done a mistake in the prayer. Also, the women are allowed to say, “SubhanAllah” when they are praying alone in congregation not behind the men 

5. After the prayer. 

There are 3 ways a person can say the Tasbih after the prayer. It can be said 10 times, 33 times, and 25 times. This thikr has been mentioned to be said in Ruku and in Sujud in various ways. Some of those mentioned in the Sunnah are; 

1. SubhanAllah Rabil Atheem 

2. SubhanAllah Rabil Atheem was bi Hamdi 

3. Subuh Qadus Rabi Malaikah wa Ruh 

4. Subhanaka Allahuma Rabana wa bihamdika Allahuma Ighfirli 

Another sunnah that has been neglected is sayingSubhanAllah 3 times directly after completing the Witr prayer. This special thikr should be used whenever a person descends from a high place, upon hearing thunder, when one is amazed at learning something, or when something is said about Allah that contradicts the correct aqeedah. Additionally, when a person intends to sleep at night it should be said 33 times along the with the Tamheed, and the Takbir should be said 34 times. This is another sunnah that some people neglect.  

There are several other remembrances that have the Tasbih included in them that when said a great reward awaits the servant. For example after Wudu and when waking up in the middle of the night and before making Dua. The Propeht taught Um Sulaym to say the Tasbeeh 1o times, the Tamheed 10 times and the Takbir 10t times. Following this ask Allah for your needs, and He will reply its done.  

Lastly , there is a Salatul Tasbeeh. Although many scholars differ over the authenticity of it. There is strong evidence which support it as well. For further reading about it refer to the articles below. 

A Fiqh Study for Salat Al-Tasbih- Al-Imam Al-Albani [1420H]

Salatu Tasbih Isnad Study- Sahih-Hasan-Da’eef

These are just some of the benefits I gathered from a research put togehter by Dr. Muhammad Al-Usaymi in his book Al-Mukhtasar fi Tasbeeh. May Allah reward him for this concise booklet and help us use this thikr.  

Translated and arranged by 

Abu Aaliyah Abdullah Battle 

8/1/1446 

The Blessings of Faith Compared to Worldly Luxuries

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” اللَّهَ يُعْطِي الدُّنْيَا مَنْ يُحِبُّ وَمَنْ لَا يُحِبُّ، وَلَا يُعْطِي الْإِيمَانَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَحَبَّ

The Prophet(ﷺ) said: Allah bestows the luxuries of this world to those whom He loves and hates; however, He Only bestows faith to those whom He loves.[1]

Lessons from this Hadith

• This hadith establishes the attribute of, “Love” for Allah in manner that befits His Majesty.

• Having wealth along with the opulence of this vanishing world isn’t a sign that Allah loves you, or that you are blessed.

• Being chosen by Allah to be an upright Muslim with correct speech, belief in the hearth, and actions are evident signs Allah loves you.

• Those who are deceived by the wealth they amassed, and believe that this is evidence of their dignity, then they are the disadvantaged. They are the ones who hastened the reward of their deeds in this world and believed that what was granted to them from Allah provides them with evidence of their dignity, their virtue, their honor, along with their superiority to others. Similarly, this happened to  others from the previous nations. For that reason Allah mentioned Qarun said” This has been given to me only because of knowledge I possess…”[Al-Qasas:78]

• Those people who are ignorant about the way Allah works are duped into thinking the wealthy are truly successful and favored. For that reason they say, “ “Ah, would that we had the like of what Qarun (Korah) has been given? Verily! He is the owner of a great fortune.”[A;-Qasas:79] These are the ones whose outlook is worldly, and they do not know that Allah gives this world to those whom He loves and  to those whom He doesn’t, yet He only gives the eternal life to those whom He loves.[2]

• A questioner might ask then why does Allah allow those whom He doesn’t love to enjoy the riches of this world ? The answer is found in the hadith, “Were this world worth a wing of mosquito, He would not have given a drink of water to an Kafir.”[3]

• Allah (تعالى ) has ordered the believers to be grateful during times of ease and patient during times of hardship.

Translated and prepared by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah Battle

Jakarta, Indonesia 1445H, Dhul -Qi’dah 26^th

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[1] Muʻjam Asāmī 342 graded as being Sahih by Imam Al-Albani

[2] Explanation of Aqeedah At-Tahawiyah, by Shaykh Al-Jibreen

[3] At-Tirmithi #2320 . Imam At-Tirmtihi graded this hadith as being Sahih

The Superiority of Giving Water as Charity

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

سَعْدًا، أَتَى النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَقَالَ: أَيُّ الصَّدَقَةِ أَعْجَبُ إِلَيْكَ؟ قَالَ: “الْمَاءُ

Sa’d came to the Prophet(ﷺ) and asked him, “Which type of charity do you prefer the most?” He replied, “Giving water.”[1]

Benefits for this subject:

• Imam Abu Dawud place this hadith under the chapter heading in his Sunan, “The Superiority of Supplying Water.” This implies that giving water is among the best of deeds. This is due to the fact that man needs water to sustain his life. Hence, providing it for him to drink is a enormous action that carries a great reward.

• This hadith highlights that subject of importance of supplying water to one in need of it in Allah’s path, or to provide it for people in need of it. i.e building a well. Water is an important element of life. Allah created everything that living from water. In other words, nothing can survive without water. Therefore, it is a necessity of life.[2]  

• Allah says: And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain), and We send down pure water from the sky,. That We may give life thereby to a dead land, and We give to drink thereof many of the cattle and men that We had created.[3]  Mulla Ali Qari said: “Water is best form of charity one can give as it contains everything beneficial for worldly and religious affairs. Not to mention, for countries where there are extreme heat conditions.”[4]

• Giving water for charity to anyone is general. It includes, for someone to drink it, to give it to a riding animal, or for someone to make wudu and so forth.[5]
• Giving water is among the best actions one can do to earn Allah’s Pleasure. Some of the Tabe’oon once said: Whoever has a lot of sins the let them give water as a charity. If Allah can forgive the sins of a person that gave water to a dog to drink, then what about one who gives water to a believing Muslim; as a result, helps him maintain living?!”[6]

• Allah says: And the dwellers of the Fire will call to the dwellers of Paradise: “Pour on us some water or anything that Allah has provided you with.” They will say: “Both (water and provision) Allah has forbidden to the disbelievers.”[7]  Ibn Abbass (Radi Allahu anhu) used this verse as proof that the best type of charity one could give is water.[8]

• Amr Ibn Al-‘As said : The Muslim that gives another Muslim water to drink will be distanced from the fire , similar to that of a race track for horses.”[9]

• These are encouragements to give water as charity to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, with in the intention of it being Sadaqah. This applies to while we are alive. Moreover, when we are deceased then leaving a well that bears water is a charity that recurs. Furthermore, digging a well in barren land where water is hard to come by would be even more superior as a means or recurring charity. Allah knows best.

Prepared by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 1445©

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[1] Collected by Abu Dawud 1679 and others and graded as being Hasan by Imam Al-Albani

[2] Explanation of Sunan Abi Dawud by Shaykh Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbadd

[3] Quran 25:48-49

[4] Explanation of Mishkatul Masabih by Mulla Ali Qari vol 6pg 346

[5] Explanation of Sunan Abi Dawud by Badrudeen Al-‘Ayni vol 6pg 432

[6] Explanation Sahih al-Bukhari , by Ibn Nahwi vol 15  pg 353

[7] Quran 7:50

[8] Tafsir Al-Qurtubi

[9] Hilya vol1 pg 288

The Superiority of the Night to the Day

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Allah has made divided time to when worship in some instances are better than others. For example, the best day of the week is Friday, the best hours of the day are Fajr and Asr, the best days of the year are the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah and the best nights of the year are the last ten nights of Ramadan. Along with these then the best day of the year is the day of Arafah. Now when we break down 24 hours there between the night and the day and here we going to look the superiority the night has to the day.

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdil Baqi Az-Zarqani(1122H) said there is difference of opinion as to which is really more virtuous. Some say the night is better than the day. The night time is the period of rest and relaxation and that’s what takes place in Jannah. On the other hand, the day time is period fatigue and exhaustion and that is the fire. Lailatul Qadr is better than a 1,000 months and there isn’t any day that has that calculated period of time. In addition to this, there is chapter titled Al-Lail and not one titled An-Nahar. Moreover, in most verses the night is mentioned before the day. Furthermore, the night was created before the day.

What’s more there is an hour every night in which supplication is answered and there isn’t any hour during the night in which prayer therein is disliked. The Isra took place at night. During the daytime service is given to creation, but at night it’s given towards the Creator. All of the Prophets did Mi’raj at night.

In contrast, another group of scholars say the day is supreme as most of the obligations were legislated during it. They include fasting, fighting Jihad, Fajr, Thur and Asr. A person pursues his provisions from his Lord during the day. Although some battle took place at night this is rare when compared to those fought during the day. All obligations outweigh the voluntary acts. For example, the Asr prayer and fasting during Ramadan. [1]

Those who support the day being better than night you the fact that its mentioned with virtue and night is absent from such except in the cast Lailatiul Qadr and the 15^th night of Sha’ban. These days are the Days of Ashoora, Friday, and the Days of Tashreeq.

Overall, both sides have their arguments, so one can’t truly impose his view on another. However, let’s look at the hour during the night in which the supplication is answered. This takes place every night.

عَنْ جَابِرٍ، قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، يَقُولُ: «إِنَّ فِي اللَّيْلِ لَسَاعَةً لَا يُوَافِقُهَا رَجُلٌ مُسْلِمٌ، يَسْأَلُ اللهَ خَيْرًا مِنْ أَمْرِ الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ، إِلَّا أَعْطَاهُ إِيَّاهُ، وَذَلِكَ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ»

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, “Every night there is a special time during which whatever a Muslim asks Allah of any good relating to this life or the Hereafter, it will be granted to him; and this moment comes every night.”[2]

1. Every night there is a special time during… the exact hour when this occurs is unknown to us. This is similar to Lailatul Qadr and the hour that is hoped for on Friday. This exact hour that this is hidden from so that we may strive diligently all throughout the night searching for it. This pushes us to not be serious in worship in some hours of the night and not in others.  

• whatever a Muslim asks Allah of…Women are included in this as well. This sentence describes the hour by what takes place therein. Hence the Muslim takes advantage of this opportunity during the night. This is from the whiffs of mercy from a Merciful God. It’s similar to a flash of lighting. Whoever agrees with it, i.e. is exposed to it and spends his time anticipating its brightness, then he will attain it.

• of any good relating to this life or the Hereafter, it will be granted to him…This is another description for this hour during the night. Allah literally gives him everything he asks for, or he’s rewarded for worshipping Allah during that time.

• and this moment comes every night.” This proves that it happens every night and isn’t restricted to some nights and not on the other. For that reason, the Muslim should pursue this hourly nightly to the best of his ability.

• Imam An-Nawawi said this proves that there is an hour every night when Dua is answered, which pushes to supplicate all throughout the night in hope of attaining this hour.

• Al-Azizi said this includes the entire night and not any particular hour of it. Although it is known that the last part of the night is best to make dua. At any rate the 1^st ½ of the second part of the night is the best time to make dua.[3]

• This hour remaining hidden from us encourages us to not just relax and sleep all night, but instead to be attentive by having our hearts connected to Allah.

Prepared by

Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 1444©

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[1] Al-Ajwabatus Sadedah Ala As’ilatil Adedah by Sheikh Muhammad Az-Zarqani pg 149-151

[2] Sahih Muslim 757

[3] Mirat Al Mafatih Sharh Mishkat Al Mafatih vol 4/224 by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mubarkpuri  

The Best Manner of Seeking Allah’s Forgiveness

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللَّهُمَّ أنْتَ رَبِّي لا إلَهَ إلاَّ أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وأنَا عَبْدُكَ، وأَ نَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أبُوْءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ، وأبُوْءُ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِر لِي فَإنَّه لا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إلاَّ أَنْتَ

O Allah! You are my Rubb. There is no true God except You. You have created me, and I am Your servant, and I hold to Your Covenant and promise as much as I have the ability to. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge the favors that You have bestowed upon me, and I own up to my sins. Pardon me, for none has the power to pardon the sins but You [1]

Benefits

• The ending of this Hadith’s wording is , “ Whoever says this during the day certain of Allah’s forgiveness and dies before the evening on that day  then he will be among the inhabitants of Jannah and whoever says it during the night certain of Allah’s forgiveness and dies before the morning then he will be among the permanent residents of Jannah.[2]

• The intended meaning of this supplication being referred to as the best manner of seeking Allah’s Forgiveness is that it is the most beneficial and most rewarding for the one seeking Allah’s forgiveness. This is similar to how Mecca is better than Madinah in the reward for the servant worshipping there.

• At-Tibi said : these wordings in this supplication contain  all the details for repentance.

• Ibn Abi Jamra said: this Hadith is among those with wonderful meanings that is the perfect in its wording, so for that reason it has the right to be called the master of seeking forgiveness. In this supplication there is the wording which the servant acknowledges that Lordship belongs solely to Allah alone. The servant recognizes that he worships Allah alone as He earned that right. The Muslim acknowledges that Allah is the Creator and he acknowledges the covenant that he took.[3]

• In many cases the wording for seeking Allah’s forgiveness begins with the word, “ربي “meaning my Lord. Different Prophets and Messengers sought Allah’s forgiveness in this fashion

 Adam said: {رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنْفُسَنَا}: Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves.

Nuh said: {رَبِّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أَسْأَلَكَ مَا لَيْسَ لِي بِهِ عِلْمٌ}My Lord in seek refuge in You from asking you something which I am ignorant of.

Musa said: {رَبِّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي} My Lord I wronged myself so forgive me.

The believers say: {رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا} our Lord forgive us. And between the two prostrations we say:  رب اغفرلي, my Lord forgive me. Ibn Al-Qayyim said the wisdom for using the word Rabbi ,my Lord, when seeking forgiveness is that Allah is asked through his Lordship as it contains His ability, the good He does towards his servants and nurturing of them. Also, in the Lordship of Allah is the well-being the Most High does towards the servants in governing his affairs.[4]

• O Allah! You are my Rubb. There is no true God except You…There is no diety worthy of worship to me other than you. There is no one that can give me refuge except you.

•  You have created me, and I am Your servant,…You are worthy of my worship as You alone created me

• and I hold to Your Covenant and promise … I adhere to the covenant that was taken by Adam’s offspring when you took them from his back. Moreover, I adhere to the covenant that the Prophet (ﷺ) said. “Whoever dies free from Shirk will enter into Jannah. I acknowledge Your Divine Lordship and Your promise made to me for Jannah. I will continue to observe Your Oneness in search of the promise You made to me.

• as much as I have the ability to…To best of my ability and within the limits of my physical strength. I acknowledge my shortcomings and weaknesses in fulfilling Allah’s rights. In other words, I am unable to worship You as You deserve to be worshipped. However, I try my best within my ability. The servant doesn’t have the ability to do anything except that which is in his capacity.

• I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done…I seek protection in You from being punished due to my sins and evils.

•  I acknowledge the favors that You have bestowed upon me… I recognized the great bounties you have given me.

• and I own up to my sins… I am aware that I have a large number of sins.

•  Pardon me, for none has the power to pardon but You). My sins can only be forgiven and pardoned by You as you are the forgiver of sins, the accepter of repentance and a severe punisher of sins.[5]

• The Servant of Allah must admit Allah’s fairness and Justice towards him. Allah doesn’t wrong mankind in the least. Mankind is only punished on account of his sins. Therefore, every retribution that comes from Allah is fair and every blessing that comes from Him is a favor.[6] 

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[1] Al-Bukhari 6306

[2] ibid

[3] Fathul Bari vol 11/pg 99 Ibn Hajr

[4]  “بدائع الفوائد” لابن القيم (2/ 419 – 420

[5] Refer to explanation of Mishkatul Masabeeh by Mulla Ali Qari vol vol 4 pg 1619

[6] Majmou Fatawa vol 5/pg 226, Sh Islam Ibn Taymiyyah  

The 5 Various Ways to Say Thikr after Obligatory Prayers

 

 The first 

سبحان الله (33) ، الحمد لله (33) ، الله أكبر (33) لا إله إلا الله… (1)

1.    Subhanallah (33) Al-Hamduillah (33) Allahu Akbar (33) La illaha il allah (1)  [Refer to Saheeh Muslim 1380]

The Second

سبحان الله (33) ، و الحمد لله ( 33) و الله أكبر (  (34

 

2.    Subhanallah (33) Al-Hamduillah (33) Allahu Akbar (34) [Refer to Saheeh Muslim 1377]

The Third

سبحان الله (33) ، و الحمد لله ( 33) ، و الله أكبر ( (33

 

3.   Subhanallah (33) Al-Hamduillah (33) Allahu Akbar (33) [ Refer to Saheeh Al-Bukhari 834 ]
 

 
The Fourth

 سبحان الله (10) ، الحمد لله (10) الله أكبر ( (10
   

4.    Subhanallah (10) Al-Hamduillah (10) Allahu Akbar (10) [ Refer to Saheeh Al-Bukhari 6329}

   The Fifth

 

سبحان الله (25) الحمد لله (25) الله أكبر (25) لا إله إلا الله (  (25

5.      Subhanallah (25) Al-Hamduillah (25) Allahu Akbar (25) La illaha il allah (25 ) [Refer to Sunan An-Nisa’ 1358 ] Shaykh Nasir graded this hadeeth as being authentic.

  

     .

Tips to implement these acts. Try using one method daily for each five after the daily prayers, or even use one a day then the next proceed to use the next one. This will help us keep the Sunnah alive.

 

Translated by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 8-11-1429

wwww.twitter.com/lamontbattle

 

 

The Most Difficult Struggle in Life a Man can Endure

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

أفْضَلُ الجِهَادِ أنْ يُجاهِدَ الرَّجُلُ نَفْسَهُ وَهَواهُ

One of the greatest struggles a man can endure is the fight against his soul’s temptations and his evil desires.

Benefits for this Topic:

• Allah said: And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? [ Al-Qasas:50]

• Allah said: and follow not your desire for it will mislead you from the Path of Allah. Verily! [Sad:26] Al-Alamah Shiekh Abdur Rahman Al-Barrak said: “The degree at which a person disobeys his Lord following Satan and satisfying his evil desires, is the extent and level in which his tawhid will be tarnished. [1]

• The word for struggle in this hadeeth is the word jihad, which has four levels included as part of its meaning.

1. The struggle against the soul’s temptations
2. The struggle against Satan
3. The struggle against the disbelievers
4. The struggle against the hypocrites.

• The are four levels for the man battling against his soul. The first is he struggles with his inner-being to learn the proper guidance and the correct path of Islam. This is the only way in which the soul can be successful, feel happy in its life and well-being. Otherwise, when this is lost then the soul will be miserable in this life and in the next. The second struggle the man faces against his soul, is acting by the knowledge he acquires. If he doesn’t act on what he knows then his knowledge is of no benefit and will serve to harm him. The third encounter the man faces with his soul is when he invites ignorant people to Islam. If he doesn’t do this then he will fall in the category of people that Allah said about, “Verily ,those who conceal the clear proofs and guidance which we have sent down..”[Al-Baqarah-159].

Hence, his knowledge that he learned won’t benefit him or save him from the punishment of Allah. The fourth, is when a person fights his soul to be patient with the difficulties and hardships that come from people when calling to the Quran and the Sunnah.

These are the four levels that a man will struggle with soul in and when he completes all of these levels then he will be among the true upright callers and nurturers of Islam. In fact, the Salaf are all in agreement that a person can not be called a Rabbani, until he knows the truth, acts by it, and teaches it. [2]

• Malik ibn Deenar said: “Fight against your evil desires the same way you fight against you enemies.”[3]

• Fighting against evil desires….is when a person prevents them from acting on his sensual lusts, or to give oneself free rein to do whatever he wishes without restraint, but instead he regularly practices Allah’s commands and avoids his prohibitions. This is among the most difficult kinds of Jihad and your soul’s desires are among your greatest enemies. [4]

• Fighting against the soul’s temptations and its evil desires is the starting point for one to be able to fight against the disbelievers and the hypocrites. In other words, a person is unable to properly battle against the Kuffar and the Munafiqeen until he is victorious over his soul’s temptation and evil desires. [5]

• Allah tests the servant with his soul and desires, and has made it an obligation on him to fight against his temptations and his evil desires; seeking Allah’s Pleasure. Therefore, day and night the servant is battling his soul until it’s thankful as Allah has ordered it to be. Along with this, Allah’s servant goes to war with his base desires controlling them from doing what He has prohibited. This is an act of obedience. [6]

• Imam Al-Bayhaqi said: “I asked my teacher Abu Sahl As-Suluki about the essence of worship? He replied: “The essence of worship has two parts, acting in conformity and in opposition. One must conform to the what’s right and oppose his soul’s temptations and evil desires.”[7]

• This type of struggle requires patience. Whoever strives against his soul’s temptations, its evil desires and Satan and then subdues them will be victorious in this life and in the next, and will be aided by Allah. Thus, he would have mastered self-control. However, whoever is impatient in this battle against temptations and evil desires will be defeated by Satan. As a result of this, he will be a prisoner, who is governed by Satan and his evil desires. [8]

Translated and compiled by;

Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle Sr.

          1443H©/ December 25,2021

The Destructive Effects Of Evil Desires

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[1] Explanation of kitab At-tawheed by ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali , pg 74

[2] At-Tanwee Sharh Jami’ Saghir vol 2/pg 549

[3] Al-Kamil, vol 2/128 by Ibn Al-Mubrad

[4] At-Tayseer Bisharhi Jamii’ As-Saghir Vol 1/pg 182

[5] Al-Mustadark Majmou Ibn Taymiyyah vol 3/213

[6] ‘Iddahtus Sabireen vol 1/152 by Ibn Al-Qayyim

[7] Az-Zuhd , hadith number 348

[8] Natharul Na’eem vol8/pg 3315

Asking for the Best of Both Worlds

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

سَأَلَ قَتَادَةُ أَنَسًا: أَيُّ دَعْوَةٍ كَانَ أَكْثَرَ يَدْعُو بِهَا النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ؟ قَالَ:كَانَ أَكْثَرُ دَعْوَةٍ يَدْعُو بِهَا رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” اللهُمَّ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ “، وَكَانَ أَنَسٌ إِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَدْعُوَ بِدَعْوَةٍ دَعَا بِهَا، وَإِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَدْعُوَ بِدُعَاءٍ دَعَا بِهَا فِيهِ ”  

Qatadah asked Anas about the supplication the Prophet (ﷺ)often said and Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The supplication most often recited by the Prophet (ﷺ) was: “Allahumma atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina ‘adhab-annar (O our Rubb! give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire).”‘Whenever Anas supplicated, he used to implore Allah with this Du’a.[1]

Benefits of the Topic

• This hadith is among the three chained hadith collected by Imam Ahmed in his Musnad. The 3 narrators between Imam Ahmed and the hadith are; Isma’il -Abdul Aziz -Qatadah- hadith.

•  Qatadah narrated this hadith on Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه).Qatadah was the most memorized in Basra everything he heard he learned it by heart. He heard the collection of Jabir only once and memorized it right away. He was once accused of following the Qadariyyah. Qatadah was born 60 Hijrah and died 117 H.

• “Which supplication did the Prophet (ﷺ) frequently supplicate with?”  refers to the Dua he would normally say most of the time due to its importance.

• The salaf differ over the meaning of , “ The Good in this life”, some say it refers to knowledge and worship in this life. Others say it means having a lawful income and knowledge which benefits. The Good in the next life refers to Jannah.

• Another group of scholars have said the good in this life and in the next refers to safety in both worlds along with a pious spouse. Then there are some people of knowledge that say, “The Good in this life refers to a vast income through lawful means with the practice of good deeds, while , “The Good in the Next life”, applies to forgiveness and the reward for doing good deeds.

•   “The Good in this Life…” has also been interpreted to mean knowledge and acting by it and “The Good in the next life , is having an easy judgment in front of Allah allowing one to enter Jannah easily.

• The one whom Allah has given Islam, the Quran, a family, wealth and an offspring then Allah has given him the good of both worlds is also inferred from this Dua.

• Atha’labi has mentioned few of Salafs’ definition for the, Good in this life and the Good in Next life and among them are;

1. Safety from danger is the good of both lives with Allah’s Pleasure.

• The Good in this life is a righteous woman and in Next life it’s the Hoorul Ayn(Women of Jannah)

• “Save us from the punishment of the fire.” Refers to an evil and unrighteous spouse.

• Ibn Kathir said: “The Good in this Life.” Includes all worldly and material possessions a person wishes to have in this life. Such as; good health, a nice home, a beautiful wife, pious offspring, and vast wealth. Moreover, doing good deeds, owning a nice and a comfortable form of transportation while people like you are a part of the good in this life.

“The Good in the Next life.” Is entering Jannah, not being so afraid and worried on the Day of Judgement and having an easy reckoning before Allah.

“Being safe from the punishment of the Fire includes the ability to do the things in this life which facilitates the ease to enter Paradise. For example, being able to avoid sins, and all doubtful matters.

In conclusion, there has been many interpretation and explanations for those words in the Dua. Asking Allah for the good in this life includes everything that is upright, moral and decent, and even help from Allah against your enemies. These things bring a person happiness in this life and allow him to be successful in the Hereafter. Anas (Radi Allahu anhu) learned this dua as the Prophet (ﷺ) would often say it.[2]

Prepared by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 1441(C)

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[1] Ahmed (3/101) Al-Bukhari (6389) and others.

[2] Explanation of the Thulithiyat Musnad imam Ahmad by Ash-Shiekh Muhammad As-Safaraniyah (1188H) vol 1, pg 369

Always count your Blessings

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «إِذَا نَظَرَ أَحَدُكُمْ إِلَى مَنْ فُضِّلَ عَلَيْهِ فِي المَالِ وَالخَلْقِ ، فَلْيَنْظُرْ إِلَى مَنْ هُوَ أَسْفَلَ مِنْهُ»

Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) said the Prophet (ﷺ) said : If anyone of you were to look at a person whose superior to him  in wealth or in an appearance   then he must look at those who are inferior  to him in wealth and looks.”

Collected by Al-Bukhari (6490) and Muslim (2963) 

Benefits for this subject:

This hadith is a balanced scale for worldly matters which directs a person to look at those who are at a lower grade than he is in life; since attaining this World isn’t our ultimate goal. When you reflect over those who are inferior to yourself this will guide you to count your blessings . Unlike, looking at someone who is superior to you in worldly affairs, then this can cause you to be ungrateful for the favors Allah has given you.  

The Muslim has be given an enormous amount of blessings which are immeasurable, an if Islam was the only blessing that you had, then that alone is one you could never be thankful enough for.

Most of humanity are heedless and forgetful about the blessings they have. So much so, there are those who are tested with poverty, or a sickness, or even another type of calamity; and had they looked at other people around them they’d realize that there are those who are worse off than they are.

For example there are some people who are debt but have good health and being healthy is among the greatest of blessings; as there are some people who a paralyzed and only can consume their food through a tube.

There are some people blessed with sight while others are blind. Thus if a servant spent his life counting his blessings he wouldn’t be able to do so. There are some people who are bed ridden and this could be better for his well-being and worldly affairs. It could be that Allah has turned an illness greater than the one he’s faced it away from him.

There are some people who live in a small house which isn’t nicely decorated. However if he looks at others he’d see that some people live in cardboard boxes ;and other families are sleeping on the sidewalks. These are the affairs of this life.

Then in regards to the issues in which a person must look to those superior to him are religious ones. For example if he completes the Quran once month then he should look at the one who completes it once a week in order to earn more good deeds. Another example is if there is a person who follows the Sunnah more than the does then he knows his shortcomings in Islam and worship and this should serve as a motivation for him to do better. Don’t look at the disbelievers and at how they are destroying themselves, rather look at those who saving themselves and how!

You must be sincere with yourself , thus taking your role-model and the one you look to as having achieved the things that really make him worth following. Look at the person whose goal is achieving a higher place in Jannah as the one to follow. This will encourage you to do good deeds. At the same time don’t be conceited with your deeds, but be humble before your Lord.[1]

Translated by

Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha,Qatar 1441 ©

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[1] Irshaadul Akhyaar ila Sharhi Jawa’il Akhyaar pg 111-113, by Shaykh Abdul Kareem Al-Khudair

A Math Lesson from the Prayer

  بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The purpose of this article to stimulate the mind and at the same time encourage the average Muslim to give importance to the sunnan and Rawatib prayers, by evaluating the levels one can achieve in Jannah by offering more prayers.  In an authentic hadith the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “There is no one who prostrated once to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, except that Allah will raise him one degree in status thereby, and erase one sin thereby.” [1]

This narration lays the framework for us to look at the difference of the one who regularly prays Duha, Witr , or even the Sunnah of Fajr compared to those who don’t do so regularly, or maybe not at all.  This worksheet is based on the chapter of the voluntary prayers collected by Shiekhul Islam Abu Yahya Zakariya Al-Ansari (925H) in his book “ The Guidebook of Hadiths for Islamic verdicts”.  What’s more, is, he explained the narrations he collected which are all authentic.[2] Therefore throughout the article, his words are added for Fiqh lessons.

1. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak’ah of optional Salat other than the obligatory Salat in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allah).” [3]  

This hadith mentions there are 12 Rak’ah daily so if a person offered these prayers for a week apart from earning a house in Jannah how much higher of a level in Jannah would they attain?

So imagine if a person prayed these 12 Rak’at daily for 30 days how higher of a status could they achieve in this life and how many sins could they have wiped away ?

• Ibn ‘Umar ( رضي الله عنه): I learned from the Prophet (ﷺ) ten (voluntary) Rak’ at – two Rak’ at before the Zuhr prayer and two after it; two Rak’at after Maghrib prayer in his house, and two Rak’at after ‘Isha’ prayer in his house, and two Rak’ at before the Fajr prayer.[4]

Abu Yahya Az-Zakiriyah ( رحمه الله) said the voluntary prayers make up for the deficiencies in the obligatory prayers, by adding to their appearance similar to how jewelry adds the beauty of a bride.

This hadith mentioned 10 Rak’at, so if a person didn’t offer the two before and after Thur how many Rak’at would that be ?

• Umm Habibah ( رضي الله عنها) : “Whoever prays regularly four Rak’ at before and four Rak’ at after the Zuhr prayer, Allah will forbid for him (from entering) the Hellfire.”[5]

Abu Yahya Az-Zakiriyah ( رحمه الله) said: The regularly prayed voluntary prayers to complete Thur are 4 before and 4 after it, the stressed Sunan are 2 before Thur and 2 after.

If a person offered 4 before and 4 Thur for 10 days how many extra levels could he/she attain in Jannah.

If a muslim offered 2 before Thur and 2 after for the 1^st half of the month and then offered 4 before and 4 Thur for the other ½ of the month how many Rak’at would that be in total ? That’s a __________ level increase in Jannah.

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said: May Allah show mercy to a man who prays four rak’ahs before the afternoon prayer.[6]

Abu Yahya Az-Zakiriyah ( رحمه الله) said: These 4 Rak’at are the regularly maintained prayers of Asr, however they aren’t a stressed Sunnah.

Muhammad offered these prayers (4 Rak’at before Asr) for 6 months without missing a day and his brother offered them for 6 months as well,but during that 6 months he wouldn’t pray them at the weekend. What is the difference between these two siblings in rank?

• The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Pray before Maghrib, pray before Maghrib” then he said at the third time, “Whoever wishes (to)”.[7]

Abu Yahya Az-Zakiriyah ( رحمه الله) said: This hadith shows that there are 2 Rak’ah for the Sunnah of Maghrib, but they aren’t stressed Sunnah prayers.

Maryam offered these 2 Rak’ah every Friday for 1 year. How many extra levels did she earn for Jannah?

• ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) reported: When the Prophet (ﷺ) had performed two Rak’ah before the Fajr prayer, he would lie down on his right side.[8]

Abu Yahya Az-Zakiriyah (رحمه الله) said: The wisdom for lying down on the right side after offering these prayers is to show that there arent 4 Rak’ at for the Sunnah of Fajr and if a person doesn’t lie down then he should separate these prayers by either talking or changing his place in the masjid.

• “Ata’ bin Yazid narrated to me that he heard Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari say: ‘Witr is a duty, so whoever wants to pray witr with five rak’ahs let him do so, whoever wants to pray witr with three, let him do so; and whoever wants to pray witr with one, let him do so.'”[9]

Abu Yahya Az-Zakiriyah (رحمه الله) said: This hadith proves that Witr is a stressed Sunnah. The majority of scholars hold this view except the Hanafis. They consider the Witr prayer an obligation.

In this hadith there is an offer for a person to offer 5,3,or 1 Rak’ah for witr, so we have Umar who prays 5, Adam who prays 3 and Yusef who offers 1. They have all been doing this for 1 year now, so what is the difference amongst the 3 brothers  ?

• Aishah (رضي الله عنها): Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) entered my house and prayed eight Rak’ at of Duha prayer.[10]

Abu Yahya Az-Zakiriyah (رحمه الله) said: The Duha prayer is a stressed Sunnah and the best way to offer it is by praying 8 Rak’ at and the least amount one could pray is 2 and this based on an authentic hadith in Bukhari and Muslim. The hadith about offering 12 Rak’ at for Duha prayer is weak.  The closest one could off them in a complete fashion would be to offer 4 Rak’ at and 6 Rak’ at would be better than 4.

Um Adam offered 8 Rak’at of Duha prayers in 2019 and in 2018 she used to pray 6. What’s the difference between the 2 years?

Has she raised her level in Jannah and if so by how much ?

• Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: When any one of you observes the Jumu’a prayer (two obligatory rak’ahs in congregation), he should observe four (rak’ahs) afterwards.[11]

Abu Yahya Az-Zakiriyah (رحمه الله) said: The regularly offered prayers for the Jumu’ah prayer are 4 after, but offering 2 is a stressed Sunnah.

If a Muslim man prayed maintained these 4 Rak’ at after Jumu’ah for 2 years what would his possible level in Jannah be increased by?

1. 10. Abu Salama bin `Abdur Rahman(رضي الله عنه)narrated  that he asked `Aisha(l) “How was the prayer of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) in Ramadan?” She replied, “He did not pray more than eleven rak`at in Ramadan or in any other month.[12]

If you were to offer the night prayer in the same fashion of the Prophet (ﷺ) for 30 nights of Ramadhan how higher of a status could you achieve?

What if you offered them every Ramadan for 10 years of life, then how much higher of a level could you achieve?

What if you offered them on the Night of Decree, then how much higher of a level could you attain?

Allah’s Help is sought!!

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Prepared by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Doha, Qatar 1441©

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[1] Sunan an-Nasa’i 1139

[2] فتح العلام بشرح الإعلام بأحاديث الأحكام /Shiekhul Islam Abu Yahya Zakiriyah (925H)

[3] Muslim : Book 8, Hadith 1097

[4] Al-Bukhari (1180) Muslim (729)

[5]  Abu Dawud (269), At-Tirmithi (427)

[6]  Abu Dawud (1271)At-Tirmithi (430)

[7] Al-Bukhari (1183)

[8] Abu Dawud (1261)

[9]  Sunan an-Nasa’i (1712)

[10] Al-Bukhari (357) Muslim336)

[11] Muslim (881)

[12] Al-Bukhari (1147) Muslim 738)