which means, Who has created death and life, that He may test which of you is best in action. [Soorah al-Mulk (67):2]
and then said
وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ
which means, And He is the Almighty, the Oft-Forgiving. [Soorah al-Mulk (67):2]
This clarifies that these tested individuals include ones who excel in their deeds and will be rewarded due to what is entailed by Allaah’s name al-Ghafoor (the Oft-Forgiving). Similarly included are those who act wrongly and will deserve punishment due to what is entailed by His name al-Azeez (the Almighty). That is like His saying
which means, Declare to My servants, that I am truly the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. And that My Torment is indeed the most painful torment. [Soorah al-Hijr (15):49,50]
_______________________________ (1) Taken from a translation based on a lecture delivered Shawwaal 16, 1390 A.H. by Ash-Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin ibn Hamad al-Abbaad. The original lecture was published in the Journal of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, Issue #10. The complete translation will be posted on Thikraa soon, in shaa’ Allaah.
The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
“Verily the sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allaah by which He frightens His servants, and they do not eclipse on account of the death of any one of the people. So when you see anything regarding them (eclipse of sun or moon), then observe prayer and supplicate to Allaah until what has befallen you is cleared.” (1)
____________________________________
(1) Narrated by Abu Mas’ood al-Ansaaree, as reported by Muslim in his saheeh.
(*) A “Total Lunar Eclipse” is expected to be visible in the Americas today, Wednesday Feb. 20, 2008 – and Allaah knows best. The view promoted by scientists, news articles/reports, and people in general, is that an eclipse is a “spectacle” to behold. You see announcements of “parties” where people can gather and “view” the phenomenon together, preparing telescopes, cameras and the like. Unfortunately, many of us forget what our stance as Muslims should be in such times and events.
This should be a reminder to us about the Day of Judgement. Allaah ta’aalaa says in Soorat al-Qiyaamah:
“Nay! (Man denies Resurrection and Reckoning. So) he desires to continue committing sins. He asks: “When will be this Day of Resurrection?” So, when the sight shall be dazed, and the moon will be eclipsed, and the sun and moon will be joined together (by going one into the other or folded up or deprived of their light, etc.) On that Day man will say: “Where (is the refuge) to flee?” No! There is no refuge! Unto your Lord (Alone) will be the place of rest that Day. On that Day man will be informed of what he sent forward (of his evil or good deeds), and what he left behind (of his good or evil traditions). Nay! Man will be a witness against himself [as his body parts (skin, hands, legs, etc.) will speak about his deeds]. Though he may put forth his excuses (to cover his evil deeds).”
(Al-Qiyaamah 75: 5-15)
Below are a few points of benefit taken from the fataawaa of Sh. Ibn Uthaymeen – rahimahullaah. The translation is not an exact one, and additions have been made in square brackets for clarity. The reference for each point can be accessed by clicking on the point number.
Points of Benefit
(1) The eclipse takes place by the will of Allaah…it’s a warning from Allaah ‘azza wa jall to His servants of an expected punishment.
(2) Just because this is a “natural phenomenon” [i.e. there are scientific reasons why this happens: alignment of sun, earth and moon] it doesn’t contradictwhat has been reported to us through the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam that such events are signs from Allaah with which He frightens His servants. This can be compared to thunder, which can be explained through science, yet Allaah says about it:
“It is He who shows you the lightning, as a fear and as a hope. And it is He Who brings up (or originates) the clouds, heavy (with water). And Ar-Ra’d (thunder) glorifies and praises Him, and so do the angels because of His Awe, He sends the thunderbolts, and therewith He strikes whom He wills, yet they (disbelievers) dispute about Allah. And He is Mighty in strength and Severe in punishment.”
(Soorat ar-Ra’d: 12,13)
(3) Some of the actions which the Prophet – sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam – has commanded us to perform at the time of the eclipse are prayer, giving charity, seeking forgiveness of Allaah [istighfaar], takbeer [saying Allaahu Akbar], du’aa, and freeing slaves. [All these, as well as seeking refuge from the punishment of the grave, are mentioned in saheeh ahaadeeth.]
(4) Allaah has made this a warning NOT a punishment. Some people doubt the matter and say that lunar/solar eclipses happen all the time and we do not find anything wrong [nothing bad happens]. To that it is said that the Prophet – sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam – didn’t say that it’s a punishment and an anger from Allaah that will strike the people [at the time of the eclipse]! What he said is that Allaah frightens His servants so that they repent to Him. So if they get up and pray and do what they were commanded by the Prophet salallaahu alaihi wa sallam, then Allaah ta’aalaa might relieve them of His punishment.
***
ash-Shaykh al-Albaanee – rahimahullaah – has written a description of the eclipse prayer as performed by the Prophet – sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam, the translation of which can be found here. Please note: Scholars agree that the eclipse prayer is to be performed only DURING the time of the eclipse for those who see it. If it hasn’t taken place, you missed it, or if you reside outside the place where the eclipse will be visible, then you are not to perform this prayer – wallaahu a’lam.
We ask Allaah ta’aalaa to forgive us, save us from His punishment, and not make us heedless of His signs. Aameen.
But those who believed (in the Oneness of Allâh – Islâmic Monotheism), and worked righteousness – We tax not any person beyond his scope, such are the dwellers of Paradise. They will abide therein. And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world); rivers flowing under them, and they will say: “All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, Who has guided us to this, never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allâh had guided us! Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth.” And it will be cried out to them: “This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do.”
(Al-A’raf 7:42-43)
____________________________________ How great Allaah’s Generosity is! He blesses them with guidance, allows them to remain steadfast upon it, then rewards them with Jannah! May Allaah make us among them. Aameen.
An appropriate reminder at this point would be of the hadeeth reported in Saheeh Muslim (Arabic Online) or Translation in Vol.4, p.1397, #6418:
Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin al-‘Aas – radiyallaahu anhu – said, that he heard Allah’s Messenger – sallallaahu alaihi wa sallaam – saying, “All the hearts of the offspring of Aadam are between two fingers of Ar-Rehman’s Fingers, as one heart. He turns it (in any direction) as He wills. Then Allah’s Messenger said, “O Allah! The Turner of the hearts, turn our heart towards Your obedience.”
“I seek from Allaah that fasting on the day of ‘Arafah may be an expiation for [the sins of] the year before it and the year after it.” (1)
____________________________________ (1) Part of a longer hadeeth, reported in Saheeh Muslim (online English translation in Book of Fasting, #2602).
The day of ‘Arafah is the 9th of Thul-Hijjah (12th month in the Hijri Calendar). This year, it will fall on Sunday, Dec. 7th, 2008, in shaa’ Allaah. We are all in need of Allaah’s mercy and forgiveness, and what an excellent opportunity this is for us to take advantage of. May Allaah ta’aalaa allow us to reach and fast that day, grant us sincerity, and accept from us our deeds. Aameen.
Indeed to reflect on Allah’s verses is a form of worship that will draw one close to Allah Most High. This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather it includes a study of the classical tafseer of the verses being pondered over, as this would fulfil Ibnul-Qayyim’s great advice, “Such as reflecting over a book which a person has memorised and he expounds it so that he may understand what its author intends by it.”
Indeed the Book of Allah is not a book like any other, it is the timeless Speech of Allah, not a created thing, the study guide for life and death and what comes after. Therefore it deserves a more careful study than anyone else’s speech. It necessitates that its reader return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its explanation by the one deputed by Allah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to understand some things not intended by Allah Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allah. So every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allah’s Love breciting and reflecting over Allah’s Book, then let him hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and those taught by the companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam.
So dear brother and sister Muslim! Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allah, devoting your time regularly to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the Next, so let us now look to just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to Allah’s Majestic Words. Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves to the Qur’an.
1 - Reading and reflecting over the Qur’an fulfils an Islamic duty.
Indeed the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) summarised this Religion with his statement: “The Religion is naseehah (sincerity)!” So then Tameem ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, then said, “We asked, ‘To whom?’” He said: “To Allah, HIS BOOK, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and their common folk.” [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of tajweed and reciting it beautifully, learning about its tafseer and the reasons for its revelation, affirming that it is the Truth, the perfect Speech of Allah and not part of the creation, honoring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, teaching it and calling to it. [See Jaami’ul-’Uloom wal-Hikam of Ibn Rajab Al-Hambalee] So by reading and reflecting over the Qur’an, one fulfills an obligation and is rewarded for that. Upon fulfilling this obligation, the Qur’an then becomes a proof for him on the Day of Judgment! And that is our second benefit we will take by embracing this Noble Book...
2 - The Qur’an will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgment.
This is due to the statement of the Messenger: “And the Qur’an is a proof for you or against you.” [Muslim] So one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allah. It will either be in your favor, a proof for you on the Day when you will need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against you, the very Speech of your Creator, a proof against you! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allah’s own Speech is against him?!?! Think carefully, dear Muslim brother or sister, about your position with the Qur’an! Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, being heedless of its orders and prohibitions, are you thinking deeply over it?! Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgment.?! O Allah! We ask you, by Your Glorious Speech and the rest of your beautiful Names and Attributes, to make the Qur’an a proof for us! O Allah! Don’t make the Qur’an a proof against us on that Day, and save us from the hellfire! For if Allah makes the Qur’an a proof in our favour on that Day, then it would also be an intercessor for us, when NO intercession will take place except by His Permission.
3 - The Qur’an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment.
The proof: Aboo Umaamah relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Read the Qur’an, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]
4 - Your status in this life will be raised.
In Saheeh Muslim, we find a lovely story, about how a man from the people of Jannah, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, understood this principle. Some men came to question him during his khilaafah about the leadership of Makkah, they asked, “Who do you use to govern Makkah?” He said, “Ibn Abzaa.” They asked, “And who is Ibn Abzaa?” Umar replied, “A freed slave from those we freed.” They remarked, “You left a freed slave in charge of the people of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)!?!?” So he answered them, “Verily he is a reader of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven’t you heard the statement of your Messenger: “Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it.”
5 - You will be from the best of the people.
‘Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others” [Al-Bukhari]
6 - There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Qur’an.
As an authentic hadith in At-Tirmithee proves: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” So increase your recitation of the Qur’an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.
7 - The reciters of the Qur’an will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels.
‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
So dear brother or sister Muslim, do not let the Shaytaan give you false excuses, such as “I am not an ‘Arab,” or “Its not my language.” This hadith is a firm proof against these whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allah, whether you are an ‘Arab or not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for you to embrace the Book of Allah without holding back or offering excuses! And surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Qur’an once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Qur’an...
8 - Your position in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur’an you memorize in this life!
‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-’Aas heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an: Read and elevate (through the levels of the Paradise) and beautify your voice as you used to do when you were in the dunyaa! For verily, your position in the Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!” [Aboo Daawood and At-Tirmithee, saheeh]
9 - The Qur’an will lead you to Paradise!
The Prophet said: “The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]
Know, dear brother or sister, that these nine benefits from the many benefits available can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allah, not by a person’s mere statement, “I love the Qur’an, it’s beautiful.” Rather the heart must be sincerely attached to Allah’s Book and the limbs and tongue will follow in this attachment. You must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of reading and reflecting over the Qur’an. There are many benefits that await your reading in the Qur’an and books of hadith, like the chapter of the Qur’an that will argue on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things. And Allah knows best. (Taken from Look 4 Islam)
We are all tested in various ways by Allah (S.W.T.) in this world. In the Qur’an, in Surah Baqarah (2: 155), Allah States unequivocally that He will test us:
Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,
In Surah Muhammad (47: 31) , Allah reiterates that we will be tested:
And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle).
At work, we are sometimes denied a promotion, treated unfairly, or even fired. At home, our children may be a test for us especially in this world of violence, drugs, illicit sex and video games. Some of us may go through a divorce. Others may find that they have an illness that is very challenging. Dear members of our family or friends may die. Often, it is very trying on us, and many of us fall into despair. It is important during these times not to lose hope, but rather to exercise sabr or patience. As Allah (S.W.T.) Himself says in the Qur’an (Surah Baqarah, 2: 286)
On no soul does Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which You did lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith.”
What is sabr or patience?
1. From the Seerah of the Prophet (s):
‘Ata ibn Rabah related that he heard Ibn ‘Abbas say: “Shall I show you a woman of Paradise?”I said: “Yes, indeed.” He said: “A black woman came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and said: ‘I suffer from epileptic fits, and because of these, (at times) my body becomes uncovered. Would you invoke Allah, the Exalted One, to cure me of this disease? ‘ The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ‘If you wish, you can be patient and you will attain Paradise (for this suffering). But if you prefer, I will pray to Allah, the Exalted, to cure you of it?’ The woman said: ‘I will be patient,’ then added: ‘I become uncovered (when I have fits), so invoke Allah for me that I do not become uncovered. ‘ So the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed for her.” [Source: Fiqh-us-Sunnah, volume 4, #1a]
Sheikh Hamza Yusuf: The Prophet (s) and Patience
2. Story of ‘Urwah Ibn Al Zubair
‘Urwah Ibn Al Zubair had an operation, and the doctor amputated his leg. One friend came to visit him. ‘Urwah thought that the fried came to pacify him for the loss of his leg. So ‘Urwah told the visitor: If you came to give me condolence for the loss of my leg, I already submitted to Allah with patience to reward me for its loss. The guest told him, I came to inform you that your son fell down in a stable, and the animals stepped over him, and he died one hour ago. ‘Urwah said: O Allah! You took one child, and left me many…You took one organ from my body, and left me many organs…O Allah! You tested me with my body, and you were kind to leave me with good health. You tested me with the loss of my son, but you were kind in leaving me the rest of my children.
If one is patient, and is among the ones described in the following manner in the Qur’an (Baqarah, 2: 256)
Who say, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”:- Then here are the rewards Allah will give that person (2:157):
Rewards of Patience
1. Blessings from Allah. The patient person is blessed by Allah (S.W.T.)
2. Mercy of Allah. When Allah (S.W.T.) gives someone His Mercy, He will let him enter paradise with His Mercy.
3. Guidance of Allah. A patient person will be guided by Allah (S.W.T.) in this world until he meets Him on the Day of Judgment.
Referring to those who are tested and endure with sabr or patience (2:155-156, see above), all of the above three rewards are mentioned by Allah Himself in the Qur’an in Surah Baqarah (2: 157):
“They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.”
In Surah Hud (11:11), Allah (S.W.T.) again promises to reward those who are patient in adversity:
Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward.
More from the Qur’an on Patience
Patience during Illness Source: Fiqh-Us-Sunnah, volume 4, #1a
Anyone suffering from an illness should remain patient, for there is no reward better or more enriching than that reserved for those who endure in patience.
Suhaib ibn Sinan narrated that the Prophet (s) said: “How remarkable is the case of the believer! There is good for him in everything, but this is not the case for anyone except for the believer. When the believer receives any good, he is thankful to Allah, and gets a reward. And when some misfortune befalls him, he endures it patiently, for which he is (also) rewarded.”
Anas narrates: “I heard the Prophet (s) saying: ‘Allah says: “When I afflict a servant of mine with respect to his two most beloved things (meaning his eyes), and he endures it patiently, I grant him paradise in return‘.”
The Finale Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)!!
Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) Said : "O People, No Prophet or Apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray"
