"The commands of Allah subhanahu wata'alaa fall under two categories: obligations, things we have to do, and prohibitions, things we are forbidden from doing. If we analyse the category of obligations, we can conclude that they too are prohibitions.
Take the example of the obligation to perform salah; it is in effect a prohibition against not performing salah. So the commands of Allah subhanahu wata'alaa are all about abstaining from things.
A muttaqi is someone who abstains: when it comes to salah, someone who does not neglect salah is termed muttaqi with regards to salah.
The 29 or 30 days of Ramadhan are a training ground, teaching us abstinence. From dawn to sunset, we practice abstaining from food, drink and marital relations. Sawm, fasting, is defined as abstinence, and through fasting we become accustomed to abstaining.
The month of fasting compels us to ask ourslves the following question: if after becoming accustomed to abstaining from desires during this one month, is there any reason why we cannot abstain from following our base desires and disobeying Allah subhanahu wata'alaa during the remaining 11 months?"
2. Men should grow a Shar'i beard. One of the blessings of having a beard is that it gives a man the constant awareness that he is seen by others as religious, and this makes him ashamed of committing sins in public.
3. Save yourself from ribaa (usury).
4. Sisters should observe the rules of hijab.
5. Observe the rules of the Shari'ah in your personal matters, e.g. clothing, appearance etc.
6. Be particular about consuming only halal, and saving yourself from haram and doubtful products. Special attention should be given to the matter of take-away food. The difference between eating halal daal and doubtful chicken is twenty minutes of pleasure, followed by the negative effects of eating doubtful or haram food, e.g. laziness in worship.
7. Make a point of spending time in the company of the pious, and avoid bad company. Someone who goes and sits on his own in a coffee shop, a place not considered as a good environment, is better off than someone who sits in the masjid with bad company.
Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah)
Ramadh�n in Shaykh's Company
14th Ramadh�n 1429 AH
Ramadhan is the month of training for one on the path of tazkiyah (spiritual purification) and the training one receives in this month is not received at any other time. Below is some practical advice one should try to act on during this blessed month:
� Ramadhan is the month of the Qur'an and one should try to complete at least one recitation.
� Along with recitation one should make an effort to understand it by adhering to a reliable commentary or summary. The Glorious Qur'an by Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi (may Allah have mercy on him) is the Shaykh's recommendation.
� One should try to spend as much time as possible in the masjid with the niyyah (intention) of i'tikaaf (seclusion).
� One should spend more moments in silence, meditation, reflection and try more consciously to engage in tasbeeh and dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
� One should look at one's timings, ability and other considerations and plan accordingly.
� Ramadhan is the month of mujaahadah (striving) and our greatest mujaahadah would be to overcome the laziness and lack of motivation of the nafs in reciting the Qur'an.
[This short excerpt is based on a brothers' majlis (gathering for spiritual training) held by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq on 26th August 2008].
We have heard and read the Ahaadeeth regarding the virtues of Ramadhaan many times, however do we ever reflect and ponder over what they mean?
For instance take the hadeeth regarding the Shayaateen being chained up. Since they are chained up they are not around to cause mischief. Allah subhaanahu wata'ala is giving us an opportunity to build up our forces and become powerful enough to combat their attack when they are released after Ramadhaan. Therefore perform abundant good deeds, refrain from all disobedience and be included amongst the Muttaaqoon (the god-fearing).
There is the Hadeeth regarding the good deeds performed in Ramadhaan being multiplied manyfold.
"...Whosoever tries to draw nearer to Allah subhaanahu wata'ala by performing any virtuous deeds in this month, for him shall be reward as if he performed a Fard (obligatory action) in any other time of the year. And whoever performs a Fard, for him shall be the reward of seventy Faraaidh in other times of the year..." from Fadhail A'maal
Out of all the deeds, the obligatory ones are most beloved to Allah subhaanhu wata'ala. They are a means of attaining His closeness. Therefore the good deeds performed in the month of Ramadhaan become an easy means of attaining Qurb (nearness) of Allah subhaanahu wata'ala!
From the teachings of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah)
"Shaykh ul Hadeeth Muhammad Zakariyyah rahmatullahi alayh commenting on the verse of the Qur'aan 'fasting has been prescribed for you' has stated that":
'The commentators of the Qur'aan have deduced from this verse that fasting is compulsory for every part of the body.
Thus, fasting of the tongue means to avoid all the sins of the tongue. Fasting of the ears means to refrain from all the sins of the ears.
Fasting of the eyes means not to look at any form of evil and sin. Fasting of the self means to be free from all carnal desires.
Fasting of the heart means casting out from it the love of worldly things. And fasting of the mind means avoiding thoughts about anything other than Allah ta'ala.'
Posted on www.shaykh.org recording the advices/teachings of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat
September 2, 2010
One especially beneficial and unique advice given by our respected Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) was concerning charity.
Firstly it should be increased and secondly to reap maximum benefit one should reflect on the following:
The Night of Power falls in the last 10 days of Ramadhaan (and in some narrations it could be any night in the month). This night is "better than a thousand months" which according to the calculation made by Shaykh Zakariyyah (raheemahullaah) is "more than 83 years".
Now if one was to give charity every night for the entire month one is bound to attain the reward of the Night of Power and the charity given on that night would be similar to giving that amount every day for more than 83 years! So one should try and give whatever amount one can afford every night during Ramadhaan to attain maximum benefit.
Haaji Faruq Sahib (Rahmatullaahi 'alayh) used to say that since the month of Ramadhaan is enjoined upon us so that we become of the Muttaqeen (Allah-fearing) so ask Allah subhaanhu wata'ala to make you a Muttaqee as this is what He wants for you.
Unrestricted indulgence in fulfilling the desires of one's base or animal self has to be curbed for some time to give an upliftment to one's spiritual self. The object of fasting as described in the Holy Qur'an is "so that you may guard against evil."
Fasting in the auspicious month of Ramadaan, from dawn until sunset, in obedience to the command of Allah Ta'ala is a training whereby the Believer's trait of God-Conscious is nurtured. Even though he may be in a place of total privacy and seclusion, on the hottest day of the year, he does not submit to the temptation of sipping even a few drops of water for he is convinced that he cannot evade the sight of the All-Observing Almighty. We are required to maintain the same 'God-Consciousness' throughout the entire spectrum of our lives-at home: in our relationship with parents, wife, children; in our business dealings, whilst travelling and even when alone-having full conviction that we can never evade the Sight and Knowledge of Allah Ta'ala.
Together with the observance of the rules (Masaa'il) governing fasting for its validity, there must also be an effort on purification of the heart from base qualities.
As for Ramadhan, do extreme adab of Ramadhan Mubarak. Nabi صلي الله عليه و سلم said [narrated in Bukhari]:
� من لم يدع قول الزور والعمل به والجهل فليس لله حاجة أن يدع طعامه وشرابه �
The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, whoever does not leave qawl az zoor and working in accordance to it Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and his drink.
What is haraam in other days is more haraam in Ramadhan. Do not trouble or offend anyone. Be like someone in a Kanqha. Go about your work and daily activities but remain alag salag [separate]. Be like someone in search of something. [This type of person is too preoccupied about his worry to look at other's faults.] What is this thing you are searching for? Allah Ta'alah's pleasure.
In a Hadith Nabi صلي الله عليه و سلم tells us to give the labourer his wage before his perspiration dies. What then, do you think of Allah, the best of those who recompense? He will forgive you even before you finish your fast! This is as long you show adab towards the month of Ramadhan. In Ramadhan, do as much dua as you can. If you cannot lift your hands due to extreme hunger, then make dua whilst sitting or lying. Do not leave dua.
May Allah grant us Taufeeq.
باتیں کم کرو اور کام زيادہ کرو
Spend less time talking and more time doing good deeds.
وقت نکالوگے تو وقت ملے گا
If you take time out [to do worship], you will be given [blessings in] time.
Hadhrat Maulana Adam Lunat Saahib
darsdays.blogspot.com
taken from "Faza'il-e-Ramadhan"by Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Zakariyya Kanadhalvi (Rahimullah Ta'ala)]
The reason for mentioning the manner in which these saintly ones spent their Ramadhaan is not that we may just read without deriving any benefit or pass a casual remark. It is written with the object that we in our way may build up courage and to the best of our ability endeavor to copy and follow their noble examples. Every pious elders programme had its particular specialty.
How wonderful would it be if those who are not forced by worldly necessities try their utmost to mend their religious life in this one month after having allowed eleven months of the year go by to destroy themselves.
As for those who have to be in their offices and be present at eight, nine or ten in the morning, what difficulty will it be for them if they at least in Ramadhaan, spend the time from Fajr until their hours of employment in reciting the Qur'aan. After all our worldly needs we do find time in spite of office hours.
For those engaged in farming, who normally are not bound to others nothing prevents them from reciting the Qur'aan on their farm or adjusting their daily routine. Then come the businessmen, shopkeepers and merchants.
Nothing prevents them in Ramadhaan from reciting their Qur'aan during their shop hours or cutting short trading time in order to make time for recitation thereof. After all there is very strong link between Ramadhaan and the Tilaa-wah of the Qur'aan. Almost all Allah's great scriptures were revealed in this month. Similarly, in this month the Qur'aan was brought down from the Lowhul Mahfoozh to the Samaa'ud Dunyaa, from where it was revealed bit by bit to Rasulullah (SAW) in a span of twenty three years.
Nabi Ibrahim (A.S.) received his scriptures on the first and third of this sacred month. Nabi Dawood (A.S.) received the Zaboor on the twelfth or eighteenth. Nabi Moosa (A.S.) received his Towrah on the sixth. Nabi Essa (A.S.) received the Injeel on the twelfth or thirteenth. From this we note the great connection between the divine scriptures and the month of Ramadhaan.
For this reason, as much ti-laawah of the Qur'aan as possible should be made during this month. Such was the habit of our saints. Jibraeel (A.S.) used to recite the whole Qur'aan to our Nabi Muhammad (SAW) in the month of Ramadhaan. In some reports it is stated that Rasulullah (SAW) used to recite and he (Jibraeel) used to listen. From joining these reports the 'ulama have said that it is mustahab to read the Qur'aan in such a manner that while one recites the other listens. Thereafter another recites while others listen. So recite the Qur'aan as much as possible. Whatever time remains thereafter should not be wasted.
Rasulullah (SAW) drew our attention to four more things and advised that we should practice them as much as possible. They are the recitation of Kalimah 'Tayyibah, Istighfaar, begging for Jannah and seeking refuge from Ja-hannam. Therefore it must be regarded an honour to spend as much as available in these recitations. This will be the true appreciation of the teachings of Rasulullah (SAW). What is so difficult about keeping the tongue busy with the recitation of Durood ('salawaat) or Laa ilaaha illallaah while being engaged in our daily tasks?
In the same Hadith Rasulullah (SAW) said a few more things, Ramadhaan is the month of patience. Hence even if great difficulty is experienced in fasting one should bear it with patience. One should not complain as people are fond of doing during hot days.
If by chance sehri is missed then lamentations begin early in the day. Similarly, should difficulty be experienced at the same time of Taraweeh, it too should be borne with patience. Do not consider it a great calamity or trial, otherwise these deeds may be void of blessings. When we turn our backs on worldly things, forsake our very eating and drinking, then in the face of Allah's pleasure what are these difficulties?
It is important that the fast we keep adheres to the spirit of fasting
As fasting is an act of 'ibādah in itself, just keeping the fast means you are in a state of 'ibādah. If you can do any other 'ibādah at the same time, that is very good. If you cannot do any proactive 'ibādah you should not feel guilty about it as you are already in a state of 'ibādah. However, it is important that the fast we keep adheres to the spirit of fasting.
(Excerpt from a Spiritual Gathering held by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq)
Mental Preparation: (Excerpt from a Spiritual Gathering held by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq)
Mental preparation for the coming month should start with reminding ourselves that the goals of tazkiyah (purification) i.e. purification of the soul, cleansing of the heart and its adornment with beautiful and noble qualities, filling our hearts with the love of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and the Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and striving to reach the rank of iḥsān, can be most easily and ideally achieved in Ramaḍān. Thus, in our lifelong struggle to reach the goals of tazkiyah, Ramaḍān should be the peak period of our spiritual activity.
Practical Preparation: (Excerpt from a Spiritual Gathering held by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq)
1. Plan Ahead for Ramaḍān
We should plan our activities ahead and try to ensure that our worldly tasks are either completed before Ramaḍān or, if possible, are postponed and delayed till after Ramaḍān, thus freeing ourselves for as much time as we need for 'ibādah (worship) during Ramaḍān.
2. Plan Everyday of Ramaḍān
In addition to planning for the month of Ramaḍān, we should also plan the twenty-four hours of each day of Ramaḍān. For instance, we should allocate a specific amount of time everyday for reading Islamic literature, for recitation of the Holy Qurʾān, for doing dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and other acts of worship. This does not mean that we aim for an entire day of wo...rship as that is not physically possible. The aim of this mental and practical preparation is to actually create more time for ʿibādah (worship) by freeing ourselves from worldly activities to benefit from Ramaḍān as a time of peace, silence, thoughtfulness, contemplation and worship. If possible, we should try to take a few days or at least the last ʿashrah (ten days) off from work to increase the time we spend in worship.
3. Minimize Cooking in Ramaḍān
First off, as a family we should declare that we will not allow the coming month to become a month of feasting. A whole day spent fasting with the idea that ifṭār is a time of feasting leads to a lot of tension and heightened expectations in the household. To meet this expectation, instead of spending time in ʿibādah we end up running around, shopping, spending a lo...t of money and investing a large amount of time and effort in preparing the food. The preparation of a grand ifṭār also leads to a significant increase in the load of household work for the women. The hunger and thirst of the fast, complemented by the panicking and rushing for the preparation of food, leads to agitation and bad temper within the household; emotions and practices that blatantly go against the spirit of Ramaḍān.
4. Fulfill the Right of the Body in Ramaḍān
By following this routine and doing a minimum amount of cooking, we can give ourselves the maximum amount of time for 'ibādah. However, this does not mean that we deprive ourselves of sleep and do 'ibādah all day and all night. In Ramaḍān, especially in the summer months, the body undergoes many changes due to remaining hungry and thirsty for a long per...iod of time. In addition, our sleep is broken due to getting up for saḥūr, then not sleeping until after Fajr, and then maybe sleeping during the day. With this running around, cooking and preparing along with a disturbed sleep cycle, a person is not in a frame of mind to think of any 'ibādah or of Allah سبحانه وتعالى . This agitated and heedless state of mind goes against the spirit of Ramaḍān and fulfilling the requirement of the fast
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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